National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care
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Search All Research Studies
Topics
- Adverse Events (3)
- Care Management (1)
- Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) (4)
- Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) (6)
- Children/Adolescents (1)
- Communication (1)
- Comparative Effectiveness (1)
- Critical Care (4)
- Evidence-Based Practice (3)
- (-) Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) (17)
- Healthcare Costs (1)
- Hospitals (2)
- Infectious Diseases (5)
- Inpatient Care (2)
- (-) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (17)
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (4)
- Newborns/Infants (1)
- Organizational Change (1)
- Patient-Centered Healthcare (1)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (2)
- (-) Patient Safety (17)
- Prevention (8)
- Quality of Care (1)
- Respiratory Conditions (1)
- Risk (1)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (3)
AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 17 of 17 Research Studies DisplayedMeddings J, Greene MT, Ratz D
Multistate programme to reduce catheter-associated infections in intensive care units with elevated infection rates.
AHRQ’s Safety Program for ICUs aimed to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in intensive care units with elevated rates. Included hospitals had at least one adult intensive care unit with elevated CLABSI or CAUTI rates. The investigators targeted intensive care units with elevated catheter infection rates but yielded no statistically significant reduction in CLABSI, CAUTI or catheter utilization in the first two of six planned cohorts. Improvements in the interventions based on lessons learned from these initial cohorts are being applied to subsequent cohorts.
AHRQ-funded; 233201500016I.
Citation: Meddings J, Greene MT, Ratz D .
Multistate programme to reduce catheter-associated infections in intensive care units with elevated infection rates.
BMJ Qual Saf 2020 May;29(5):418-29. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009330..
Keywords: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Patient Safety, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Hospitals, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Inpatient Care, Critical Care
Milstone AM, Voskertchian A, Koontz DW
Effect of treating parents colonized with Staphylococcus aureus on transmission to neonates in the intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial.
This study examined the effect of treating parents of neonates in the intensive care unit (NICUs) with intranasal mupirocin and topical chlorhexidine compared with a placebo treatment and whether it reduces transmission of Staphlyococcus aureus to their babies. A double-blind randomized trial was conducted at 2 tertiary NICUs in Baltimore, MD from November 2014 to December 2018. Parents were given intranasal treatments for 5 days. Of the intervention group 13 of 89 neonates acquired S aureus, and in the control group 29 of 101 neonates acquired S aureus with the same strain as their parents. The results showed a significant reduction in transmission.
AHRQ-funded; HS022872.
Citation: Milstone AM, Voskertchian A, Koontz DW .
Effect of treating parents colonized with Staphylococcus aureus on transmission to neonates in the intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA 2020 Jan;323(4):295-386. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.20785..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Patient Safety, Prevention
Woods-Hill CZ, Srinivasan L, Schriver E
Novel risk factors for central-line associated bloodstream infections in critically ill children.
Central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) cause morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. In this study the investigators examined novel and/or modifiable risk factors for CLABSI to identify new potential targets for infection prevention strategies. They found that novel risk factors for CLABSI in PICU patients included acute behavioral health needs and >80 CVC accessed in the 3 days before CLABSI. They suggest that interventions focused on these factors may reduce CLABSIs in this high-risk population.
AHRQ-funded; HS025642.
Citation: Woods-Hill CZ, Srinivasan L, Schriver E .
Novel risk factors for central-line associated bloodstream infections in critically ill children.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020 Jan;41(1):67-72. doi: 10.1017/ice.2019.302..
Keywords: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Children/Adolescents, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Risk, Patient Safety
Bardossy AC, Williams T, Jones K
Culturing practices and the care of the urinary catheter in reducing NHSN-defined catheter-associated urinary tract infections: the tale of two teaching hospitals.
This study compared 2 teaching hospitals’ intervention programs for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The comparisons were done in their adult intensive care units.
AHRQ-funded; 290201000025I; 29032001T.
Citation: Bardossy AC, Williams T, Jones K .
Culturing practices and the care of the urinary catheter in reducing NHSN-defined catheter-associated urinary tract infections: the tale of two teaching hospitals.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018 Dec;39(12):1494-96. doi: 10.1017/ice.2018.251..
Keywords: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Patient Safety, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Govindan S, Snyder A, Flanders SA
Peripherally inserted central catheters in the ICU: a retrospective study of adult medical patients in 52 hospitals.
This study quantified use of peripherally inserted central catheters in the ICU versus the general ward in 52 Michigan hospitals. Variation in complications and outcomes of use were compared. Use in the ICU produced worse outcomes than those inserted in the general ward.
AHRQ-funded; HS022835.
Citation: Govindan S, Snyder A, Flanders SA .
Peripherally inserted central catheters in the ICU: a retrospective study of adult medical patients in 52 hospitals.
Crit Care Med 2018 Dec;46(12):e1136-e44. doi: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000003423..
Keywords: Adverse Events, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Inpatient Care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient Safety
Lee YSH, Stone PW, Pogorzelska-Maziarz M
Differences in work environment for staff as an explanation for variation in central line bundle compliance in intensive care units.
The objective of this study was to determine what aspects of the work environment lead to better adherence to best safety practice for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) prevention. Data was obtained from the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections and Cost-Effectiveness Refined Survey with data on ICU and hospital characteristics obtained from the National Healthcare Safety Network. Workload and a quality-conscious environment were the most important factors associated with CLABSI bundle compliance.
AHRQ-funded; HS018987.
Citation: Lee YSH, Stone PW, Pogorzelska-Maziarz M .
Differences in work environment for staff as an explanation for variation in central line bundle compliance in intensive care units.
Health Care Manage Rev 2018 Apr/Jun;43(2):138-47. doi: 10.1097/hmr.0000000000000134..
Keywords: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient Safety, Prevention
Patel PK, Gupta A, Vaughn VM
Review of strategies to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in adult ICUs.
This systematic review was conducted back in October 2015 within PubMed and Cochrane databases on interventions to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The interventions were categorized by stages applicable to both CAUTI and CLABSI prevention. Stage 0: avoid catheter if possible; Stage 1: ensure aseptic placement; Stage 2: maintain awareness and proper care of catheters in place, and Stage 3: promptly remove unnecessary catheters. They also looked for effective components that the 5 stages were most successful with. The review is designed for hospitalists to use to formulate quality improvement interventions for infection reduction.
AHRQ-funded; HS018334.
Citation: Patel PK, Gupta A, Vaughn VM .
Review of strategies to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in adult ICUs.
J Hosp Med 2018 Feb;13(2):105-16. doi: 10.12788/jhm.2856..
Keywords: Care Management, Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient Safety, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Rawat N, Yang T, Ali KJ
Two-state collaborative study of a multifaceted intervention to decrease ventilator-associated events.
Given strong national interest in improving ventilated patient care, the National Institute of Health and AHRQ funded a two-state collaborative to reduce ventilator-associated events. The researchers described the collaborative's impact on ventilator-associated event rates in 56 ICUs. They found that compliance with all evidence-based interventions improved over the course of the collaborative. This study is the largest to date affirming that best practices can prevent ventilator-associated events.
AHRQ-funded; 29032002T.
Citation: Rawat N, Yang T, Ali KJ .
Two-state collaborative study of a multifaceted intervention to decrease ventilator-associated events.
Crit Care Med 2017 Jul;45(7):1208-15. doi: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000002463.
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Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Adverse Events, Patient Safety, Prevention
Metersky ML, Klompas M, Eldridge N
Changes in rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia-reply.
In response to a critical letter, the authors comment that the discordance between ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates from the Medicare Patient Safety Monitoring System (MPSMS) vs the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)is likely related to differences in data sources, as discussed in their report, including conscious or unconscious bias in VAP rates reported to the NHSN. It is unlikely to be related to differences in denominators or competing risks.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Metersky ML, Klompas M, Eldridge N .
Changes in rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia-reply.
JAMA 2017 Apr 18;317(15):1581-82. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.2431.
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Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient Safety, Respiratory Conditions
Dicks KV, Lofgren E, Lewis SS
A multicenter pragmatic interrupted time series analysis of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing in community hospital intensive care units.
This study sought to determine whether daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing of intensive care unit (ICU) patients leads to a decrease in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), particularly infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). It concluded that hospitals that implemented CHG bathing attained a decrease in ICU central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), ICU primary BSIs, and VRE central-line-associated bloodstream infections.
AHRQ-funded; HS023866.
Citation: Dicks KV, Lofgren E, Lewis SS .
A multicenter pragmatic interrupted time series analysis of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing in community hospital intensive care units.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016 Jul;37(7):791-7. doi: 10.1017/ice.2016.23.
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Keywords: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Prevention, Patient Safety, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Croft LD, Harris AD, Pineles L
The effect of universal glove and gown use on adverse events in intensive care unit patients.
The researchers assessed if wearing gloves and gowns during all patient contact in the intensive care unit (ICU) changes adverse event rates. They found that in ICUs where healthcare workers donned gloves and gowns for all patient contact, patients were no more likely to experience adverse events than in control ICUs. Concerns of adverse events resulting from universal glove and gown use were not supported.
AHRQ-funded; 29020060001.
Citation: Croft LD, Harris AD, Pineles L .
The effect of universal glove and gown use on adverse events in intensive care unit patients.
Clin Infect Dis 2015 Aug 15;61(4):545-53. doi: 10.1093/cid/civ315..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Adverse Events, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Critical Care
Rock C, Harris AD, Johnson JK
Infrequent air contamination with Acinetobacter baumannii of air surrounding known colonized or infected patients.
The researchers, by using a validated air sampling method, found Acinetobacter baumannii in the air surrounding only 1 of 12 patients known to be colonized or infected with A. baumannii. Patients’ closed-circuit ventilator status, frequent air exchanges in patient rooms, and short sampling time may have contributed to this low burden.
AHRQ-funded; HS022291.
Citation: Rock C, Harris AD, Johnson JK .
Infrequent air contamination with Acinetobacter baumannii of air surrounding known colonized or infected patients.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015 Jul;36(7):830-2. doi: 10.1017/ice.2015.68..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Morgan DJ, Pineles L, Shardell M
Effect of chlorhexidine bathing and other infection control practices on the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown (BUGG) trial: a subgroup analysis.
The researchers report the results of a subgroup analysis of the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown trial. In 20 intensive care units, the reduction in acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus observed in this trial was observed in units also using chlorhexidine bathing and in those that previously performed active surveillance.
AHRQ-funded; HS018111; 290200600015.
Citation: Morgan DJ, Pineles L, Shardell M .
Effect of chlorhexidine bathing and other infection control practices on the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown (BUGG) trial: a subgroup analysis.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015 Jun;36(6):734-7. doi: 10.1017/ice.2015.33..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Prevention, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Rangachari P, Madaio M, Rethemeyer RK
The evolution of knowledge exchanges enabling successful practice change in two intensive care units.
There are gaps in understanding the mechanisms by which top-down communications enable practice change. The authors sought to address these gaps in order to help identify evidence-based management strategies for successful practice change at the unit level. They found that both intensive care units studied experienced substantially improved outcomes and indicated a statistically significant increase in proactive communications. Early in the study, champions emerged within each unit to initiate process improvements. The authors concluded that the study helped to identify evidence-based management strategies for successful practice change at the unit level.
AHRQ-funded; HS019785.
Citation: Rangachari P, Madaio M, Rethemeyer RK .
The evolution of knowledge exchanges enabling successful practice change in two intensive care units.
Health Care Manage Rev 2015 Jan-Mar;40(1):65-78. doi: 10.1097/hmr.0000000000000001.
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Keywords: Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Critical Care, Communication, Evidence-Based Practice, Organizational Change, Prevention, Patient Safety
Huang SS, Septimus E, TR TR
Cost savings of universal decolonization to prevent intensive care unit infection: implications of the REDUCE MRSA trial.
The researchers estimated the incremental effect on healthcare costs associated with targeted decolonization and universal decolonization compared with screening and isolation, which is considered the current standard of care. They found that a strategy of universal decolonization for patients admitted to the ICU would both reduce bloodstream infections and like reduce healthcare costs when compared to other strategies.
AHRQ-funded; 290201000008I; 29032007T.
Citation: Huang SS, Septimus E, TR TR .
Cost savings of universal decolonization to prevent intensive care unit infection: implications of the REDUCE MRSA trial.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Oct;35 Suppl 3:S23-31. doi: 10.1086/677819..
Keywords: Healthcare Costs, Quality of Care, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient Safety
Harris AD, Pineles L, Belton B
Universal glove and gown use and acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the ICU: a randomized trial.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in the intensive care unit (ICU) decreases acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The purpose of this study was to assess whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in the ICU decreases acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) compared with usual care.
AHRQ-funded; HS018111; 290200600015.
Citation: Harris AD, Pineles L, Belton B .
Universal glove and gown use and acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the ICU: a randomized trial.
JAMA 2013 Oct 16;310(15):1571-80. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.277815..
Keywords: Patient Safety, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Infectious Diseases, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Hospitals, Prevention, Critical Care
Huang SS, Septimus E, Kleinman K
Targeted versus universal decolonization to prevent ICU infection.
In this pragmatic, cluster-randomized trial the authors compared targeted versus universal decolonization of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) as strategies for preventing health care-associated infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). They found that in routine ICU practice, universal decolonization was more effective than targeted decolonization or screening and isolation in reducing rates of MRSA clinical isolates and bloodstream infection from any pathogen.
AHRQ-funded; 290201000008I.
Citation: Huang SS, Septimus E, Kleinman K .
Targeted versus universal decolonization to prevent ICU infection.
N Engl J Med 2013 Jun 13;368(24):2255-65. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1207290..
Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Infectious Diseases, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patient-Centered Healthcare, Patient Safety, Prevention