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 25 of 97 Research Studies DisplayedKim HS, Hernaez R, Sansgiry S
Comparative effectiveness of surveillance colonoscopy intervals on colorectal cancer outcomes in a national cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of varying colonoscopy intervals on colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data was from the National Veterans Health Administration. Findings showed that, in a national cohort of patients with CRC-IBD, colonoscopy within 3 years prior to CRC diagnosis was associated with early tumor stage at diagnosis, and colonoscopy within 1 year was associated with a reduced all-cause mortality compared with no colonoscopy, supporting colonoscopy intervals of 1 to 3 years in patients with IBD in order to reduce late-stage CRC and all-cause mortality.
AHRQ-funded; HS024122.
Citation: Kim HS, Hernaez R, Sansgiry S .
Comparative effectiveness of surveillance colonoscopy intervals on colorectal cancer outcomes in a national cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022 Dec;20(12):2848-57.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.02.048..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Digestive Disease and Health, Imaging, Screening, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Dalton AF, Golin CE, Morris C
Effect of a patient decision aid on preferences for colorectal cancer screening among older adults: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
This research studied the effects of a patient decision aid on preferences for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among adults aged 76 to 84 years. Participants were recruited from 14 community-based primary care practices who were not up to date with screening and had an appointment within 6 weeks. They were randomized to receive the intervention or control. Among the 424 participants, mean age was 76.8, 248 were women, and 333 were White. There were no statistically significant differences found in patient preferences between the health groups. Additional studies that are appropriately powered were recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS021133.
Citation: Dalton AF, Golin CE, Morris C .
Effect of a patient decision aid on preferences for colorectal cancer screening among older adults: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA Netw Open 2022 Dec;5(12):e2244982. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.44982..
Keywords: Elderly, Decision Making, Screening, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer
Lock LJ, Channa R, Brennan MB
Effect of health system on the association of rurality and level of disadvantage with receipt of diabetic eye screening.
The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the role of level of disadvantage in diabetic eye screening to explain the effect of health systems on rural and urban disparities. Researchers used an all-payer, statewide claims database to include adult Wisconsin residents with diabetes who had claims billed throughout the baseline and measurement years. Results indicated that patients from urban underserved clinics were more likely to receive screening than those from rural underserved clinics; similar findings emerged for both Medicare and non-Medicare subgroups. The researchers concluded that health systems, especially those that serve urban underserved populations, have an opportunity to increase screening rates by leveraging health system-level interventions and supporting patients in overcoming barriers.
AHRQ-funded; HS026279.
Citation: Lock LJ, Channa R, Brennan MB .
Effect of health system on the association of rurality and level of disadvantage with receipt of diabetic eye screening.
BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2022 Dec;10(6):e003174. doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2022-003174..
Keywords: Rural Health, Access to Care, Screening, Diabetes, Eye Disease and Health, Disparities, Chronic Conditions, Health Systems
Feltnerl. C, Wallace IF, Aymes S
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in asymptomatic adults or those with unrecognized OSA symptoms to inform the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The researchers utilized data from PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and trial registries through August 23, 2021 and surveillance data through September 23, 2022. The main outcomes were accuracy, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep-related and general health-related quality of life (QOL), and harms. Eighty-six studies were included (N = 11,051), researchers finding that no study directly compared screening with no screening. Five studies evaluating the accuracy of other screening tools provided inconsistent results. When compared with inactive control, positive airway pressure was associated with a significant improvement in ESS score from baseline, sleep-related QOL, and general health-related QOL measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) mental health component summary score change, and SF-36 physical health component summary score change. When compared with controls, utilization of mandibular advancement devices was also related with a significantly larger ESS score change. Reporting of other health outcomes was scarce; no trial included in the study found significant benefit related with treatment on mortality, cardiovascular events, or motor vehicle crashes. In 3 systematic reviews, positive airway pressure was significantly associated with reduced blood pressure; but the difference was relatively small. The researchers concluded that the accuracy and clinical usefulness of OSA screening tools was unclear.
Citation: Feltnerl. C, Wallace IF, Aymes S .
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Nov 15;328(19):1951-71. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.18357..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sleep Problems, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Hickey EJ, Feinberg E, Kuhn J
Family impact during the time between autism screening and definitive diagnosis.
The purpose of this study was to explore parental perceptions of the impact their child’s behavior had on their family between the time risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was identified and before formal medical diagnosis, and then compare family impact among those whose child met diagnostic criteria for ASD and those who did not. The study found that the parents of children who received a non-ASD diagnosis reported a higher baseline level of family impact. Perception of difficult child behavior was a stronger predictor of family impact than later diagnostic group, and child functioning did not predict family impact. The researchers concluded that in this specific population, perceived difficult child behavior is a stronger predictor of family impact than later diagnostic category.
AHRQ-funded; HS022242.
Citation: Hickey EJ, Feinberg E, Kuhn J .
Family impact during the time between autism screening and definitive diagnosis.
J Autism Dev Disord 2022 Nov;52(11):4908-20. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05354-5..
Keywords: Autism, Screening, Diagnostic Safety and Quality
Viswanathan M, Wallace IF, Cook Middleton J
Screening for depression and suicide risk in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The authors sought to review the evidence on screening for depression or suicide risk in children and adolescents to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. They found indirect evidence that suggested some screening instruments were reasonably accurate for detecting depression. Further, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy were associated with some benefits and no statistically significant harms for depression, but the evidence was limited for suicide risk screening instruments and interventions.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Viswanathan M, Wallace IF, Cook Middleton J .
Screening for depression and suicide risk in children and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Oct 18;328(15):1543-56. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.16310..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Depression, Behavioral Health, Screening, Primary Care, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Viswanathan M, Wallace IF, Cook Middleton J
Screening for anxiety in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this paper was to review the evidence on screening for anxiety in children and adolescents to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Indirect evidence of findings suggested that some screening instruments were reasonably accurate. Cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy were associated with benefits; no statistically significant association with harms was reported.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I, 75Q80120D00007.
Citation: Viswanathan M, Wallace IF, Cook Middleton J .
Screening for anxiety in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Oct 11;328(14):1445-55. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.16303..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Anxiety, Behavioral Health, Primary Care, Screening, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Ross RL, Rubio K, Rodriguez HP
Mammography and decision aid use for breast cancer screening in older women.
This study examines the association between practice-level decision-aid use and mammography use among older women. Physician practice responses to the 2017/2018 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems were linked to 2016-17 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary data from eligible beneficiaries aged 65-74 years. Findings showed that health information technology-enabled automation of mammography reminders and other advanced health information technology functions may support mammography, whereas breast cancer decision aids may reduce patients' propensities to be screened through the alignment of their preferences and screening decision.
AHRQ-funded; HS022241; HS024075.
Citation: Ross RL, Rubio K, Rodriguez HP .
Mammography and decision aid use for breast cancer screening in older women.
Am J Prev Med 2022 Oct;63(4):630-35. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.04.014..
Keywords: Imaging, Screening, Decision Making, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Women, Prevention, Cancer, Elderly
Holcomb J, Ferguson GM, Sun J
Stakeholder engagement in adoption, implementation, and sustainment of an evidence-based intervention to increase mammography adherence among low-income women.
The purpose of this document review study was to create a conceptual framework to guide stakeholder engagement in an evidence-based intervention to increase mammography appointment adherence in underserved and low-income women. The document review results were aligned with the constructs of the conceptual framework and an application of stakeholder engagement in an evidence-based mammography intervention. The researchers concluded that both the conceptual framework constructs and the stakeholder engagement strategies can be utilized across a range of organizations, programs, and settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS023255.
Citation: Holcomb J, Ferguson GM, Sun J .
Stakeholder engagement in adoption, implementation, and sustainment of an evidence-based intervention to increase mammography adherence among low-income women.
J Cancer Educ 2022 Oct;37(5):1486-95. doi: 10.1007/s13187-021-01988-2..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Screening, Imaging, Women, Low-Income, Patient Adherence/Compliance
Henninger ML, Bean SI, Lin JS
Screening for syphilis infection in nonpregnant adults and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the available published evidence on the potential benefits and harms of screening for syphilis infection in non-pregnant, asymptomatic adults and adolescents at increased risk for syphilis infection, for the purpose of supporting the 2022 United States Prevention Services Task Force recommendations statement on screening for syphilis infection.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00004.
Citation: Henninger ML, Bean SI, Lin JS .
Screening for syphilis infection in nonpregnant adults and adolescents: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Sep 27;328(12):1250-52. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.8612..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Prevention, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Evidence-Based Practice
Jonas DE, Vander Schaaf EB, Riley S
Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to explore the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening children and adolescents for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The researchers utilized references; experts; literature surveillance, and PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and trial registries. The final review included 8 publications with 856 participants with a mean age of 14 years. The researchers found that none of the eligible studies directly assessed the benefits or harms of preventive screening. The limited eligible clinical trials reported few health outcomes and found no difference between groups.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Jonas DE, Vander Schaaf EB, Riley S .
Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Sep 13;328(10):968-79. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.7957..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Children/Adolescents, Diabetes, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Hicklin K, O'Leary MC, Nambiar S
Assessing the impact of multicomponent interventions on colorectal cancer screening through simulation: what would it take to reach national screening targets in North Carolina?
The authors simulated the impact of multicomponent interventions in North Carolina over 5 years to assess the potential for meeting national screening targets for colorectal cancer (CRC). They reported that each multicomponent intervention was associated with increased CRC screening and averted both CRC cases and deaths, while three had the potential to reach screening targets.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Hicklin K, O'Leary MC, Nambiar S .
Assessing the impact of multicomponent interventions on colorectal cancer screening through simulation: what would it take to reach national screening targets in North Carolina?
Prev Med 2022 Sep;162:107126. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107126..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Colonoscopy, Prevention
Schwartz HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA, et al. HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in homeless patients: a case report and policy recommendations.
Researchers described the barriers encountered by a homeless patient with a history of colorectal cancer who was lost to follow up and presented 11 years later with a new primary colon cancer. They provided policy solutions to increase the use of primary and secondary screening, including essential private bathroom access for colonoscopy preparation in patients who had a positive screening or who require surveillance after diagnosis and treatment. They concluded that increasing early detection and treatment may be cost-effective and could reduce disparities in morbidity and mortality in homeless patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS024532.
Citation: Schwartz HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA, et al. HEM, Abel MK, Lin JA .
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in homeless patients: a case report and policy recommendations.
Ann Surg Open 2022 Sep;3(3):e183. doi: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000183..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, Vulnerable Populations, Screening, Access to Care, Case Study
Golmakani MK, Hubbard RA, Miglioretti DL
Nonhomogeneous Markov chain for estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive screening tests.
This study addressed the general challenge of estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive test results. The authors proposed a nonhomogeneous multistate model to describe the screening process including competing events and developed alternative approaches for estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive results using this multistate model based on existing estimators for the cumulative risk of a single false positive. The multistate model was based on existing estimators for the cumulative risk of a single false positive. They compared the performance of the newly proposed models through simulation studies and illustrated model performance using data on screening mammography from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium. They found that in the context of screening mammography that the cumulative risk of multiple false positive results is high. For a high-risk individual, the cumulative probability of at least two false positive mammography results after 10 rounds of annual screening is 40.4.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Golmakani MK, Hubbard RA, Miglioretti DL .
Nonhomogeneous Markov chain for estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive screening tests.
Biometrics 2022 Sep;78(3):1244-56. doi: 10.1111/biom.13484..
Keywords: Research Methodologies, Screening, Imaging, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer
Singal AG, Chen Y, Sridhar S
Novel application of predictive modeling: a tailored approach to promoting hcc surveillance in patients with cirrhosis.
Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial evaluating a mailed outreach strategy to promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance among cirrhosis patients at a safety-net health system. They found that predictive models can help stratify patients' likelihood to respond to surveillance outreach invitations, facilitating tailored strategies to maximize effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HCC surveillance population health programs.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Singal AG, Chen Y, Sridhar S .
Novel application of predictive modeling: a tailored approach to promoting hcc surveillance in patients with cirrhosis.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022 Aug;20(8):1795-802.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.02.038..
Keywords: Cancer, Chronic Conditions, Screening
Ellison J, Wang C, Yarrington C
Insurance and geographic variations in non-invasive prenatal testing.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the population-level rate of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) uptake in Massachusetts and identify disparities based on patient zip-code and insurance type. The researchers identified pregnant patients aged 35 years or older at their delivery between 7/1/2015 to 12/31/2015 who were eligible for NIPT use, to assess the role of area‐level sociodemographic characteristics and NIPT uptake. The study reported that considerable geographic variation was discovered. Patients living in zip‐codes within and surrounding the Boston metropolitan area were more likely to receive NIPT, as were those living in Eastern MA. The observed NIPT rate (per 1000 pregnant individuals aged 35 and over) was 48.7 for Medicaid enrollees and 272.1 for commercial enrollees; 123.0 and 223.2 for patients living in a zip‐code with a high versus low proportion of Black/Hispanic residents; and 107.7 and 218.4 for those in a zip‐code with a high versus low proportion of low‐income residents. The researchers reported that birthing people covered by Medicaid were over five times less likely to receive NIPT than their counterparts with commercial coverage. Lower NIPT rates in zip‐codes with a high proportion of low‐income or Black/Hispanic residents also suggests that geographic variations in uptake may reflect racial/ethnic and income disparities independent of insurance coverage. The researchers concluded that the study findings emphasize the presence of substantial disparities in NIPT uptake based on insurance and zip-code of residence, and that further research is needed to identify barriers and facilitators to uptake and to evaluate interventions to address inequities in NIPT use.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Ellison J, Wang C, Yarrington C .
Insurance and geographic variations in non-invasive prenatal testing.
Prenat Diagn 2022 Jul;42(8):1004-07. doi: 10.1002/pd.6155..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Maternal Care, Women, Health Insurance, Screening
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
Danan ER, Brunner J, Bergman A
The relationship between sexual assault history and cervical cancer screening completion among women veterans in the Veterans Health Administration.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a history of sexual assault in women Veterans is associated with decreased cervical cancer screening completion. The researchers analyzed data from a 2015 survey of 1049 women Veterans who accessed primary care services at 12 Veterans health administration facilities (VA’s) in nine states, and linked responses with electronic health data from the VA system. Fifty-seven percent (616) of women Veterans reported lifetime sexual assault, and those who did so had a greater likelihood of reporting a high level of distress associated with pelvic examinations and delaying a gynecologic exam due to distress. However, in the final adjusted model, there was not a significant association between lifetime sexual assault and reduced odds of cervical cancer screening completion. The study concluded that there was no significant association between sexual assault and gaps in cervical cancer screening completion.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Danan ER, Brunner J, Bergman A .
The relationship between sexual assault history and cervical cancer screening completion among women veterans in the Veterans Health Administration.
J Womens Health 2022 Jul;31(7):1040-47. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0237.AHRQ-funded; HS026379..
Keywords: Women, Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Trauma
Kerlikowske K, Su YR, Sprague BL
Association of screening with digital breast tomosynthesis vs digital mammography with risk of interval invasive and advanced breast cancer.
The purpose of this study was to compare digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with digital mammography to determine whether DBT was correlated with lower rates of internal invasive cancer and advanced breast cancer, taking into consideration breast density and breast cancer risk. From 2011 through 2018, the researchers studied a cohort of 504,427 women between the ages of 40 and 79 who underwent 375,189 screening DBT exams and 1,003,900 screening digital mammography exams, and who were then followed up for cancer diagnoses between 2011 and 2019 after being identified via linkage to state or regional cancer registries. The median age at the time of screening was 58 years (IQR 50-65 years) and the diagnostic screenings took place at 44 Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) facilities in the United States. The study found that among women at low to average risk, or at high risk with almost entirely fatty, scattered fibroglandular densities, or heterogeneously dense breasts, advanced cancer rates were not significantly different for DBT vs digital mammography. There was no significant difference between DBT and digital mammography for interval cancer rates per 1000 exams. Interval invasive cancer rates were also not significantly different among the 413,061 examinations with BCSC 5-year risk of 1.67% or higher (high risk) across breast density categories, or among all the 836,250 examinations with BCSC 5-year risk less than 1.67% (low to average-risk). For the 3.6% of women with extremely dense breasts and at high risk of breast cancer (13,291 examinations in the DBT group and 31,300 in the digital mammography group) advanced cancer rates per 1000 examinations were significantly lower for DBT vs digital mammography, but not for women at low to average risk (10,611 examinations in the DBT group and 37,796 in the digital mammography group). The researchers reported that there was no significant difference in the 96.4% of women with extremely dense breasts not at high risk, heterogeneously dense breasts, or nondense breasts, and concluded that screening with DBT vs digital mammography was associated with a significantly lower risk of advanced breast cancer among the 3.6% of women with extremely dense breasts and at high risk of breast cancer, and was not associated with a significant difference in risk of interval invasive cancer.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Kerlikowske K, Su YR, Sprague BL .
Association of screening with digital breast tomosynthesis vs digital mammography with risk of interval invasive and advanced breast cancer.
JAMA 2022 Jun 14;327(22):2220-30. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.7672..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Women, Imaging, Risk
Kowitt SD, Goldstein AO, Cykert S
A heart healthy intervention improved tobacco screening rates and cessation support in primary care practices.
This study investigated the outcomes of an evidence-based cardiovascular disease risk reduction tool called Heart Health Now to improve rates for tobacco cessation screening and counseling in small primary care practices in North Carolina. This tool was developed as part of AHRQ’s EvidenceNow initiative. This stepped wedge, stratified, cluster randomized trial looked at 28 practices that were staffed by 10 or fewer clinicians and had an electronic health record. Heart Health Now consisted of education tools, onsite practice facilitation for a year, and a practice-specific cardiovascular population management dashboard that included monthly, measure-specific run charts to help guide quality improvement. The practices included in their analyses consisted of 78,120 patients, and 17,687 smokers. From pre- to post-intervention, screening rates significantly increased from 82.7 to 96.2%. Cessation support rates also significantly increased from 44.3% to 50.1%. Some of the practices associated with improvement included being in an academic health center or faculty, having more clinicians, and having a lower percentage of White patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS023912.
Citation: Kowitt SD, Goldstein AO, Cykert S .
A heart healthy intervention improved tobacco screening rates and cessation support in primary care practices.
J Prev 2022 Jun;43(3):375-86. doi: 10.1007/s10935-022-00672-5..
Keywords: Tobacco Use, Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation, Screening, Primary Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions
Kostelanetz S, Pettapiece-Phillips M, Weems J
Health care professionals' perspectives on universal screening of social determinants of health: a mixed-methods study.
The purpose of this AHRQ-funded study was to assess health care providers’ perceptions of universal social determinants of health (SDH) screening. Th researchers used mixed methods of electronic surveys and qualitative interviews to assess health care providers (physicians, administrators, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and case managers) on their perceptions of universal SDH screening at an academic medical center. The electronic survey evaluated SDH screening practices, attitudes and barriers to universal screening, priorities for SDH domains, and disciplines to perform screening. There were 193 survey participants, representing a 62.5% response rate, most of which were physicians (31%) or social workers (22%). Ninety-three percent of respondents reported using SDH information in patient care, with 95% reporting that social workers were the most appropriate for providing screening. Barriers to SDH screening which were identified included lacking the: resources to address the needs which were identified (51%); time to ask (45%); staff to ask (33%) and; training in responding to the identified needs (28%). Social worker staff reported barriers less frequently than non- social worker staff. The qualitative interview (n=16) results were utilized to elaborate the electronic survey findings and identify themes. Qualitative interview data supported the survey findings and described barriers such as lack of standardized approaches and professional burnout. The researchers concluded that health care providers support universal social determinants of health screening and recommend that strategies to address barriers to implementation should include improving SDH data access for providers and capitalize on social worker expertise.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: Kostelanetz S, Pettapiece-Phillips M, Weems J .
Health care professionals' perspectives on universal screening of social determinants of health: a mixed-methods study.
Popul Health Manag 2022 Jun;25(3):367-74. doi: 10.1089/pop.2021.0176..
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Screening, Provider: Health Personnel
Tracer H, VanHouten JP
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for atrial fibrillation.
This purpose of this Putting Prevention Into Practice (PPIP) case study and quiz is to provide an overview of practice recommendations regarding atrial fibrillation screening. It is based on the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, with Howard Tracer, MD, Medical Officer, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Program, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, as lead author.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, VanHouten JP .
Screening for atrial fibrillation.
Am Fam Physician 2022 Jun;105(6):659-60..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Heart Disease and Health, Cardiovascular Conditions, Screening, Prevention, Case Study
Chou R, Selph S, Blazina I
Screening for glaucoma in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This evidence report and systematic review updated the 2013 USPSTF final recommendation to assess benefits and harms of screening for primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in adults. After an extensive literature review, 83 studies were included (30 trials and 53 diagnostic accuracy studies). One randomized clinical trial (RCT) found screening of frail elderly persons associated with no difference in vision outcomes vs no screening but with significantly greater falls risk. There was limited direct evidence on glaucoma screening, with no association of benefits.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Chou R, Selph S, Blazina I .
Screening for glaucoma in adults: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 May 24;327(20):1998-2012. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.6290..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Eye Disease and Health, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice
Cole MB, Nguyen KH, Byhoff E, Byhoff E
Screening for social risk at federally qualified health centers: a national study.
In the United States, millions of low-income patients have unaddressed social risks. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide services to approximately 29.8 million low-income patients, and data on social risk screening capabilities had never been collected across all FQHCs until 2019. The purpose of this study was to analyze the social risk screening capabilities across the FQHCs, report the national rates, identify screening predictors, and compare rates between states. The researchers collected data from the 2019 Uniform Data System from all 1,384 FQHCs across the U.S., with a primary outcome of determining whether each FQHC collected data on their patients’ social risk factors. The researchers also estimated the relationship between the characteristics of 7 FQHCs (such as their size, and various Medicare features), and their probability of conducting social risk screening. The study reported that 71% of FQHCs collected information on social risks, with variances between states. The researchers concluded that while the majority of FQHCs collect data on social risk factors, there are disparities between different states, and that smaller FQHCs may benefit from having social risk screening resources focused on them and may increase their use of screening tools and practices.
AHRQ-funded; HS022242.
Citation: Cole MB, Nguyen KH, Byhoff E, Byhoff E .
Screening for social risk at federally qualified health centers: a national study.
Am J Prev Med 2022 May;62(5):670-78. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.11.008..
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Vulnerable Populations, Screening
Steeves-Reece AL, Totten AM, Broadwell KD
Social needs resource connections: a systematic review of barriers, facilitators, and evaluation.
The purpose of this mixed-studies review was to evaluate how studies assess social needs (for example, food and housing) resource connections and identifies the factors reported by patients and caregivers that that may prevent or facilitate connections to resources. The researchers developed a priori selection criteria which were used in a dual review to select PubMed and CINAHL articles published from October 2015 to December 2020. Data was analyzed in 2021. The researchers identified 34 articles from 32 studies and created a taxonomy of resource connection measures with 4 categories: 1) whether participants had contact with resources; 2) whether participants received resources; 3) whether participants had their social needs addressed; or 4) whether participants rated some aspect of their experience with resources. Barriers to resource connections included inadequacy, inaccessibility, fears surrounding stigma or discrimination, staff training, and others. Facilitators included relevancy, degree of support within the interventions, inclusivity of the interventions, and others. The authors concluded that this review study highlights variables that can be addressed to improve the screening of social needs and referral interventions.
AHRQ-funded; HS027707.
Citation: Steeves-Reece AL, Totten AM, Broadwell KD .
Social needs resource connections: a systematic review of barriers, facilitators, and evaluation.
Am J Prev Med 2022 May;62(5):e303-e15. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.12.002..
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Screening