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
- Adverse Drug Events (ADE) (1)
- Adverse Events (4)
- Children/Adolescents (1)
- Communication (1)
- Comparative Effectiveness (1)
- Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) (1)
- Diabetes (1)
- Evidence-Based Practice (1)
- Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) (1)
- Healthcare Costs (1)
- Health Insurance (1)
- Hospitals (1)
- (-) Labor and Delivery (13)
- Low-Income (1)
- Maternal Care (7)
- Medicaid (1)
- Medication (1)
- Mortality (2)
- Newborns/Infants (5)
- (-) Outcomes (13)
- Patient Safety (2)
- Pregnancy (11)
- Quality of Care (1)
- Research Methodologies (1)
- Simulation (1)
- Surveys on Patient Safety Culture (1)
- Teams (1)
- TeamSTEPPS (1)
- Training (1)
- Vulnerable Populations (1)
- (-) Women (13)
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 13 of 13 Research Studies DisplayedPineles BL, Harris AD, Goodman KE
Adverse maternal and delivery outcomes in children and very young (age ≤13 years) US adolescents compared with older adolescents and adults.
This study compared adverse maternal and delivery outcomes of pregnant 10- to 13-year-olds vs 14- to 17-year-olds and 18- to 19-year-olds. This cross-sectional study looked at all patients aged 10 to 19 years who delivered at hospitals in the Premier Healthcare Database from January 2019 through May 2021. The study included 90,876 deliveries across 655 US hospitals. Controlling for patient race and ethnicity, insurance type, and obesity status: 10- to 13-year-olds had significantly higher risks of preterm delivery and cesarean delivery compared with 14- to 17-year-olds. The risk of preeclampsia was not higher for 10- to 13-year-olds compared to 14- to 17-year-olds. There was a higher risk of preterm delivery for 10- to 13-year-olds compared to 18- to 19-year-olds, but not significantly different for cesarean delivery and preeclampsia.
AHRQ-funded; HS028363.
Citation: Pineles BL, Harris AD, Goodman KE .
Adverse maternal and delivery outcomes in children and very young (age ≤13 years) US adolescents compared with older adolescents and adults.
JAMA 2022 Nov 1;328(17):1766-68. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.18340..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, Women, Outcomes, Adverse Events, Maternal Care
Henke RM, Karaca Z, Gibson TB
Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations and childbirth outcomes.
This study examined the impact of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to childbirth outcomes. States that use Medicaid ACOs were compared with states that had not adopted ACO. Using HCUP data, the relationship between Medicaid ACO adoption and neonatal and maternal outcomes, and cost per birth was examined. Medicaid ACO implementation was associated with a moderate reduction in hospital costs per birth and decreased cesarean section rates with results varying by state. There was no association with other birth outcomes, including infant inpatient mortality, low birthweight, neonatal intensive care unit utilization and severe maternal morbidity.
AHRQ-authored; AHRQ-funded; 290201300002C.
Citation: Henke RM, Karaca Z, Gibson TB .
Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations and childbirth outcomes.
Med Care Res Rev 2020 Dec;77(6):559-73. doi: 10.1177/1077558718823132..
Keywords: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Medicaid, Health Insurance, Healthcare Costs, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women, Outcomes
Tilden EL, Phillippi JC, Carlson N
The association between longer durations of the latent phase of labor and subsequent perinatal processes and outcomes among midwifery patients.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the duration of the latent phase of labor and subsequent processes and outcomes. The investigators concluded that longer duration of the spontaneous latent phase of labor among women with low-risk pregnancies may signal longer total labor processes, leading to an increase in diagnosis of dystocia, interventions to manage dystocia, and epidural use. Apart from multiparous neonatal NICU admission, no other maternal or child morbidity outcomes were elevated with longer duration of the latent phase of labor.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Tilden EL, Phillippi JC, Carlson N .
The association between longer durations of the latent phase of labor and subsequent perinatal processes and outcomes among midwifery patients.
Birth 2020 Dec;47(4):418-29. doi: 10.1111/birt.12494..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women, Outcomes
Leifheit KM, Schwartz GL, Pollack CE
Severe housing insecurity during pregnancy: association with adverse birth and infant outcomes.
This study measured the association of severe housing insecurity with adverse birth and infant outcomes. Data was analyzed from 3248 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. This prospective cohort study represented births in 20 large U.S. cities from 1998 to 2000. Severe housing insecurity was defined as threatened eviction or homelessness. Adverse outcomes included low birth weight and/or preterm birth, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or stepdown facility, extended hospitalization after delivery, and infant health and temperament. There were statistically significant associations found between severe housing insecurity during pregnancy and low birth weight and/or preterm births. Housing insecurity and infant fair or poor health and poor temperament were not found to have statistically significant associations. Population attributable fraction (PAF) estimates suggested that up to 3% of adverse birth and infant outcomes could be avoided by eliminating severe housing insecurity among low-income, pregnant women.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Leifheit KM, Schwartz GL, Pollack CE .
Severe housing insecurity during pregnancy: association with adverse birth and infant outcomes.
Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Nov 21;17(22):8659. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228659..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, Vulnerable Populations, Outcomes, Adverse Events, Women, Low-Income, Newborns/Infants
Dombrowski M, Illuzzi JL, Reddy UM
Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes.
This study’s goal was to examine utilization, success rate, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of trial of labor among women with two prior cesarean deliveries. Linked hospital discharge and birth certificate data were used for a retrospective analyses of a cohort of women in California with nonanomalous, term, singleton live births, two prior cesarean deliveries, and no clear contraindications for trial of labor. Findings showed that, among women with two prior cesarean deliveries, trial of labor was rarely attempted and was successful in 39.4% of attempts. Trial of labor in this population was associated with a modest increase in severe neonatal morbidity.
AHRQ-funded; HS023801.
Citation: Dombrowski M, Illuzzi JL, Reddy UM .
Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes.
Obstet Gynecol 2020 Jul;136(1):109-17. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003845.
.
.
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women, Maternal Care, Outcomes
Neal JL, Carlson NS, Phillippi JC
Midwifery presence in United States medical centers and labor care and birth outcomes among low-risk nulliparous women: a Consortium on Safe Labor study.
This study compared labor care and birth outcomes between medical centers with interprofessional care (midwives and physicians) versus noninterprofessional care (physicians only). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Consortium on Safe labor data from low-risk nulliparous women who birthed in interprofessional (7393) or noninterprofessional (6982). Women at interprofessional medical centers were 74% less likely to undergo labor induction and 75% less likely to have oxytocin augmentation. In addition, the cesarean rate was 12% lower.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Neal JL, Carlson NS, Phillippi JC .
Midwifery presence in United States medical centers and labor care and birth outcomes among low-risk nulliparous women: a Consortium on Safe Labor study.
Birth 2019 Nov 11;46(3):475-86. doi: 10.1111/birt.12407..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Maternal Care, Women, Outcomes
Carlson NS, Neal JL, Tilden EL
Influence of midwifery presence in United States centers on labor care and outcomes of low-risk parous women: a Consortium on Safe Labor study.
The authors analyzed the association between midwifery presence in maternity care teams and the birth processes and outcomes of low-risk parous women. They found that parous women have significantly higher rates of vaginal birth, including vaginal birth after cesarean, and a lower likelihood of labor induction when cared for in centers with midwives. They concluded that their findings support integrated, team-based models of perinatal care to improve maternal outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Carlson NS, Neal JL, Tilden EL .
Influence of midwifery presence in United States centers on labor care and outcomes of low-risk parous women: a Consortium on Safe Labor study.
Birth 2019 Sep;46(3):487-99. doi: 10.1111/birt.12405..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Maternal Care, Women, Outcomes
Vanderlaan J, Rochat R, Williams B
Associations between hospital maternal service level and delivery outcomes.
This study explored the associations between delivery hospital self-reported level of maternal service, as defined by the American Hospital Association, and both maternal and neonatal outcomes among women at high maternal risk, as defined by the Obstetric Comorbidity Index. The investigators concluded that for the group of pregnant women in need of maternal transfer, delivery hospital self-reported level of maternal care was not associated with the odds of poor maternal or neonatal outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS024655.
Citation: Vanderlaan J, Rochat R, Williams B .
Associations between hospital maternal service level and delivery outcomes.
Womens Health Issues 2019 May - Jun;29(3):252-58. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.02.004..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Women, Outcomes, Hospitals, Quality of Care, Newborns/Infants, Mortality
Kahwati LC, Sorensen AV, Teixeira-Poit S
AHRQ Author: Mistry KB
Impact of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Safety Program for Perinatal Care.
The purpose of this study was to describe the Safety Program for Perinatal Care (SPPC) implementation experience and evaluate the short-term impact on labor and delivery (L&D) unit patient safety culture, processes, and adverse events. SPPC implementation by L&D units were supported sing a program toolkit, trainings, and technical assistance. Researchers then evaluated the program using a pre-post, mixed-methods design. Changes in safety and quality were measured using the Modified Adverse Outcome Index (MAOI) and other perinatal care indicators. Findings showed that SPPC had a favorable impact on unit patient safety culture and processes, but mixed short-term impact on maternal and neonatal adverse events.
AHRQ-authored; AHRQ-funded; 2902010000241.
Citation: Kahwati LC, Sorensen AV, Teixeira-Poit S .
Impact of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Safety Program for Perinatal Care.
Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2019 Apr;45(4):231-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2018.11.002..
Keywords: Adverse Events, Communication, Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP), Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Newborns/Infants, Outcomes, Patient Safety, Pregnancy, Simulation, Surveys on Patient Safety Culture, Teams, TeamSTEPPS, Training, Women
Phillippi JC, Danhausen K, Alliman J
Neonatal outcomes in the birth center setting: a systematic review.
This systematic review examined the effects of the birth center setting on neonatal mortality in economically developed countries. The criteria for inclusion included being in English, published after 1980 and in countries with similar guidelines to the American Association of Birth Centers Standards. The only measure used was neonatal mortality and results did not find any difference between using a birth center as opposed to a traditional hospital setting. The literature was not found to have many good quality studies, and further research is recommended.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Phillippi JC, Danhausen K, Alliman J .
Neonatal outcomes in the birth center setting: a systematic review.
J Midwifery Womens Health 2018 Jan;63(1):68-89. doi: 10.1111/jmwh.12701..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Labor and Delivery, Mortality, Newborns/Infants, Outcomes, Pregnancy, Women
Feldman DS, Bollman DL, Fridman M
Do laborists improve delivery outcomes for laboring women in California community hospitals?
The researchers sought to determine the impact of the laborists staffing model on cesarean rates and maternal morbidity in California community hospitals. They were unable to demonstrate differences in cesarean and maternal childbirth complication rates in community hospitals with and without laborists.
AHRQ-funded; HS020915.
Citation: Feldman DS, Bollman DL, Fridman M .
Do laborists improve delivery outcomes for laboring women in California community hospitals?
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015 Oct;213(4):587.e1-87.e13. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.05.051..
Keywords: Labor and Delivery, Outcomes, Patient Safety, Women
Camelo Castillo W, Boggess K, Sturmer T
Association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with glyburide vs insulin in women with gestational diabetes.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women receiving glyburide compared with insulin for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a US population-based cohort. It found an association between glyburide (compared with insulin) and elevated risk of NICU admission, neonatal hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, birth injury, and large for gestational age in women with GDM.
AHRQ-funded; HS017950.
Citation: Camelo Castillo W, Boggess K, Sturmer T .
Association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with glyburide vs insulin in women with gestational diabetes.
JAMA Pediatr 2015 May;169(5):452-8. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.74..
Keywords: Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Comparative Effectiveness, Diabetes, Labor and Delivery, Maternal Care, Medication, Newborns/Infants, Outcomes, Pregnancy, Women
Darney BG, Caughey AB
Elective induction of labor symposium: nomenclature, research methodological issues, and outcomes.
This article focuses on key method issues in studies of elective induction of labor. The authors first identify methodological concerns with the existing literature and discuss each in return. They then review existing evidence about the relationship between elective induction and cesarean delivery.
AHRQ-funded; HS017582
Citation: Darney BG, Caughey AB .
Elective induction of labor symposium: nomenclature, research methodological issues, and outcomes.
Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Jun;57(2):343-62. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000029..
Keywords: Research Methodologies, Outcomes, Labor and Delivery, Women