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
51 to 75 of 420 Research Studies DisplayedCabral SM, Goodman KE, Blanco N
Comorbidity and severity-of-illness risk adjustment for hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection using data from the electronic medical record.
This study’s objective was to determine whether electronically available comorbidities and laboratory values on admission are risk factors for hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) across multiple institutions and whether they could be used to improve risk adjustment. Adult patients admitted to 3 hospitals in Maryland from 2016 to 2018 were included. Patients with comorbid conditions were assigned using the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Standardized infection rates (SIRs) were computed using current CDC risk adjustment methodology and included the addition of Elixhauser score and individual comorbidities. Hospital 1 had 314 (0.65%) of patients with a HO-CDI, Hospital 2 had 41 (0.47%) with a HO-CDI, and Hospital 3 had 75 (0.26%) with a HO-CDI. Elixhauser score in multivariable regression was a significant risk factor for HO-CDI at all hospitals when controlling for age, antibiotic user, and antacid use. Abnormal leukocyte level at hospital admission was a significant risk factor at hospitals 1 and 2. Including the Elixhauser score in the risk adjustment model was statistically significant.
AHRQ-funded; HS022291.
Citation: Cabral SM, Goodman KE, Blanco N .
Comorbidity and severity-of-illness risk adjustment for hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection using data from the electronic medical record.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021 Aug;42(8):955-61. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.1344..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Hospitals, Risk
Hewage SCN, Cao LTT, Jones RM
Factors associated with environmental service worker cleaning practices in health care settings: a systematic review of the literature.
The objective of this systematic literature review was to identify factors associated with the disinfection practices of environmental service workers in health care settings. Findings showed that, when education/training was combined with performance evaluation/feedback, significant improvement in environmental service worker disinfection practices was reported. The long-term commitment of an organization was also found to be essential for continuous improvement in disinfection outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS025987.
Citation: Hewage SCN, Cao LTT, Jones RM .
Factors associated with environmental service worker cleaning practices in health care settings: a systematic review of the literature.
Am J Infect Control 2021 Jul;49(7):919-27. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.01.001..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Patient Safety
Safdar N, Parmasad V, Brown R
Decreasing ICU-associated Clostridioides difficile infection through fluoroquinolone restriction, the FIRST trial: a study protocol.
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in the USA, having high incidence in intensive care units (ICU). Antibiotic use increases risk of CDI, with fluoroquinolones (FQs) particularly implicated. In healthcare settings, antibiotic stewardship (AS) and infection control interventions are effective in CDI control, but there is little evidence regarding the most effective AS interventions. In this paper the investigators describe their multisite, stepped-wedge, cluster, effectiveness-implementation clinical trial.
AHRQ-funded; R01 HS026226.
Citation: Safdar N, Parmasad V, Brown R .
Decreasing ICU-associated Clostridioides difficile infection through fluoroquinolone restriction, the FIRST trial: a study protocol.
BMJ Open 2021 Jun 29;11(6):e046480. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046480..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, Prevention
Golob JL, Rao K
Signal versus noise: how to analyze the microbiome and make progress on antimicrobial resistance.
This paper’s objective is to: 1) review the current thought on risk from antibiotic-resistant organization (ARO) acquisition; 2) review the current understanding on the gut microbiome’s ability to resist colonization with AROs; 3) describe how experimental model systems can test these global initial, global insights to arrive at more granular, mechanistic ones; and 4) suggest a path forward to make further progress in the field. This review is informed from experiences and successes with understanding of the role of the microbiome in mediating risk of Clostridioides difficile infection.
AHRQ-funded; HS027431.
Citation: Golob JL, Rao K .
Signal versus noise: how to analyze the microbiome and make progress on antimicrobial resistance.
J Infect Dis 2021 Jun 16;223(Suppl 3):S214-S21. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiab184..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Genetics
Zhu Y, Simon GJ, Wick EC
Applying machine learning across sites: external validation of a surgical site infection detection algorithm.
Surgical complications have tremendous consequences and costs. Complication detection is important for quality improvement, but traditional manual chart review is burdensome. Automated mechanisms are needed to make this more efficient. The purpose of the study was to understand the generalizability of a machine learning algorithm between sites; automated surgical site infection (SSI) detection algorithms developed at one center were tested at another distinct center.
AHRQ-funded; HS024532.
Citation: Zhu Y, Simon GJ, Wick EC .
Applying machine learning across sites: external validation of a surgical site infection detection algorithm.
J Am Coll Surg 2021 Jun;232(6):963-71.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.03.026..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Surgery, Adverse Events, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Schuetz CR, Hogan PG, Reich PJ
Factors associated with progression to infection in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-colonized, critically ill neonates.
The purpose of this case-control study was to identify factors associated with development of symptomatic infection in infants colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The investigators concluded that progression from MRSA colonization to symptomatic infection was associated with increased morbidity and may be mitigated through decolonization.
AHRQ-funded; HS021736; HS024269.
Citation: Schuetz CR, Hogan PG, Reich PJ .
Factors associated with progression to infection in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-colonized, critically ill neonates.
J Perinatol 2021 Jun;41(6):1285-92. doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-00944-8..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Critical Care, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Brajcic BC, Ko CY, Liu JB
A NSQIP-based randomized clinical trial evaluating choice of prophylactic antibiotics for pancreaticoduodenectomy.
This paper describes the protocol for an upcoming multicenter randomized surgical trial to evaluate choice of prophylactic antibiotics for pancreaticoduodenectomy. The rationale and methodology of the trial evaluating piperacillin-tazobactam compared to cefoxitin for surgical site infection prevention is described. The study will utilize a clinical registry for data collection.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078.
Citation: Brajcic BC, Ko CY, Liu JB .
A NSQIP-based randomized clinical trial evaluating choice of prophylactic antibiotics for pancreaticoduodenectomy.
J Surg Oncol 2021 May;123(6):1387-94. doi: 10.1002/jso.26402..
Keywords: Cancer, Antibiotics, Medication, Prevention, Surgery, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice
Sick-Samuels AC, Linz M, Bergmann J
Diagnostic stewardship of endotracheal aspirate cultures in a PICU.
This study describes the development and impact of a clinical decision support algorithm to standardize the use of endotracheal aspirate cultures (EACs) from ventilated PICU patients in the evaluation of suspected ventilator-associated infections. Bacterial growth in EACs does not distinguish bacterial colonization from infection and may lead to overtreatment with antibiotics. The rate of EACs was compared pre- and postintervention. In the preintervention year there were 557 EACs over 5092 ventilator days. After introduction of the algorithm the rate went down to 234 EACs over 3654 ventilator days. There was a 41% decrease in the monthly rate of EACs. This intervention did not affect mortality, readmissions, or length of stay in ventilated PICU patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS025642.
Citation: Sick-Samuels AC, Linz M, Bergmann J .
Diagnostic stewardship of endotracheal aspirate cultures in a PICU.
Pediatrics 2021 May;147(5). doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-1634..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Clinical Decision Support (CDS), Decision Making, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Diagnostic Safety and Quality
McAlearney AS, Gaughan AA, DePuccio MJ
Management practices for leaders to promote infection prevention: lessons from a qualitative study.
This study looked at the management practices around prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) that hospital leaders can take to promote healthcare associated infection (HAI) prevention efforts. Interviews were conducted with 420 managers and frontline staff in 18 hospitals across the United States. The three management practices characterized as important facilitators of HAI prevention were 1) engagement of executive leadership; 2) information sharing; and 3) manager coaching.
AHRQ-funded; HS024958.
Citation: McAlearney AS, Gaughan AA, DePuccio MJ .
Management practices for leaders to promote infection prevention: lessons from a qualitative study.
Am J Infect Control 2021 May;49(5):536-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.09.001..
Keywords: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Prevention, Communication
McDonald MV, Brickner C, Russell D
Observation of hand hygiene practices in home health care.
The purpose of this observational study was to describe nurse hand hygiene practices in the home health care (HHC) setting, nurse adherence to hand hygiene guidelines, and factors associated with hand hygiene opportunities during home care visits. The investigators concluded that hand hygiene adherence in HHC was suboptimal, with rates mirroring those reported in hospital and outpatient settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS024723.
Citation: McDonald MV, Brickner C, Russell D .
Observation of hand hygiene practices in home health care.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021 May;22(5):1029-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.07.031..
Keywords: Home Healthcare, Nursing, Provider: Nurse, Provider, Prevention, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Guidelines
Deshpande A, Richter SS, Haessler S
De-escalation of empiric antibiotics following negative cultures in hospitalized patients with pneumonia: rates and outcomes.
This study assessed antibiotic de-escalation practices across hospitals and their associations with outcomes in hospitalized patients diagnosed with pneumonia with negative cultures. The authors included 14,170 adults admitted with pneumonia in 2010-2015 to 164 US hospitals if they had negative blood and/or respiratory cultures and received both anti-MRSA and antipseudomonal agents other than quinolones. If empiric drugs were stopped on day 4 while continuing another antibiotic it was defined at de-escalation. Patients were propensity adjusted for de-escalation and compared on in-hospital 14-day mortality, late deterioration with ICU transfer, length-of-stay (LOS) and costs. Thirteen percent (1924 patients) had both initial empiric drugs stopped by hospital day 4. De-escalation rates at hospitals ranged from 2-35% and the established rate quartiles were not significantly associated with outcomes. Even at hospitals in the top quartile of de-escalation, the de-escalation rates were lower than 50%.
AHRQ-funded; HS025026; HS024277.
Citation: Deshpande A, Richter SS, Haessler S .
De-escalation of empiric antibiotics following negative cultures in hospitalized patients with pneumonia: rates and outcomes.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Apr 26;72(8):1314-22. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa212..
Keywords: Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, Pneumonia, Respiratory Conditions, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Inpatient Care
Milstone AM, Rosenberg C, Yenokyan G
Alcohol-impregnated caps and ambulatory central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs): a randomized clinical trial.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 70% isopropyl alcohol-impregnated central venous catheter caps on ambulatory central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. Findings showed that isopropyl alcohol-impregnated central-line caps did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in CLABSI rates in ambulatory hematology-oncology patients. In the per-protocol analysis, there was a statistically significant decrease in positive blood cultures.
AHRQ-funded; HS022870.
Citation: Milstone AM, Rosenberg C, Yenokyan G .
Alcohol-impregnated caps and ambulatory central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs): a randomized clinical trial.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021 Apr;42(4):431-39. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.467..
Keywords: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Sepsis, Children/Adolescents, Prevention
O'Hara NN, Mullins CD, Slobogean GP
Association of postoperative infections after fractures with long-term income among adults.
This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between postoperative infection in patients with surgically treated fractures and long-term income loss. Out of 11,673 adults who underwent surgery to treat fractures of the extremities or pelvis from 2003-2016, a total of 3.5% had a postoperative infection. These infections were associated with a $6080 annual decrease in household income in the 6 years after injury. There was a 6.6% increase in the risk of catastrophic wage loss within 2 years of the fracture and a 45% increase in the odds of receiving Social Security benefits. However, postoperative infections were not associated with an increase in the value of the Social Security benefits received.
AHRQ-funded; HS027218.
Citation: O'Hara NN, Mullins CD, Slobogean GP .
Association of postoperative infections after fractures with long-term income among adults.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Apr;4(4):e216673. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.6673..
Keywords: Surgery, Injuries and Wounds, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Adverse Events, Healthcare Costs
Lydecker AD, Osei PA, Pineles L
Targeted gown and glove use to prevent Staphylococcus aureus acquisition in community-based nursing homes: a pilot study.
This study tested the feasibility of targeted gown and glove use by healthcare personnel caring for high-risk nursing home residents to present Staphylococcus aureus transmission in short-stay residents. The study included 322 residents in 2 community-based Maryland nursing homes on mixed short- and long-stay units. During a 2-month baseline period, all residents had nose and inguinal fold swabs taken to estimate S. aureus presence. MRSA acquisition rate decreased from 11.9% during the baseline period to 3.6% during the intervention period among short-stay residents. MRSA acquisition rate also decreased from 9.1% during the baseline period to 3.6% during the intervention period for longer-term care residents. Resident-to-resident transmission rate also decreased from 5.9% during the baseline period to 0.8% during the intervention period.
AHRQ-funded; HS025451.
Citation: Lydecker AD, Osei PA, Pineles L .
Targeted gown and glove use to prevent Staphylococcus aureus acquisition in community-based nursing homes: a pilot study.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021 Apr;42(4):448-54. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.1219..
Keywords: Nursing Homes, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Patient Safety
Dowding D, Russell D, McDonald MV
"A catalyst for action": factors for implementing clinical risk prediction models of infection in home care settings.
This study looked at how a clinical risk prediction model for identifying patients at risk of infection is perceived by home care nurses. It was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 50 home care nurses. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed with data evaluation using thematic analysis. Findings indicated that the nurses would find a clinical risk prediction model useful, as long as it provided both context around the reasons why a patient was deemed to be high risk and provided some guidance for action.
AHRQ-funded; HS024723.
Citation: Dowding D, Russell D, McDonald MV .
"A catalyst for action": factors for implementing clinical risk prediction models of infection in home care settings.
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021 Feb 15;28(2):334-41. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa267..
Keywords: Home Healthcare, Nursing, Risk, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Prevention, Provider: Nurse, Provider
Harris AD, Morgan DJ, Pineles L
Acquisition of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria in the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown (BUGG) cluster randomized trial.
This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial in 20 hospital intensive units called Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown (BUGG) to see if intervention decreases the acquisition of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The primary outcome included 40,492 admission and discharge perianal swabs from 20,246 individual patient admissions. A non-statistically significant decrease in acquisition of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria was associated with universal glove and gown use.
AHRQ-funded; HS024045.
Citation: Harris AD, Morgan DJ, Pineles L .
Acquisition of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria in the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown (BUGG) cluster randomized trial.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Feb 1;72(3):431-37. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa071..
Keywords: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Patient Safety
Lee BY, Bartsch SM, Lin MY
How long-term acute care hospitals can play an important role in controlling carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a region: a simulation modeling study.
Researchers investigated how implementing control measures in long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) can impact carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) spread regionwide. They used their own Chicago metropolitan region agent-based model to simulate CRE spread and control. They found that a prevention bundle in only LTACHs decreased prevalence and averted new carriers, infections, and deaths over 3 years compared with no CRE control measures. When LTACHs and intensive care units intervened, prevalence decreased further. They concluded that LTACHs may be more important than other acute care settings for controlling CRE, and regional efforts to control drug-resistant organisms should start with LTACHs as a centerpiece.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Lee BY, Bartsch SM, Lin MY .
How long-term acute care hospitals can play an important role in controlling carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a region: a simulation modeling study.
Am J Epidemiol 2021 Feb 1;190(3):448-58. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwaa247..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Hospitals, Patient Safety, Implementation
Lee BY, Bartsch SM, Hayden MK
How to choose target facilities in a region to implement carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae control measures.
The authors investigated how best to choose the highest-yield facilities to target for interventions when trying to control regional spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). They used their own Regional Healthcare Ecosystem Analyst-generated agent-based model of Chicago metropolitan area inpatient facilities to simulate the spread of CRE and to choose facilities to apply prevention bundles. They found that, while choosing target facilities based on single metrics (including most inpatient beds, most connections to other facilities) achieved better control than randomly choosing facilities, more effective targeting occurred when considering how these and other factors (including patient length of stay, care for higher-risk patients) interacted as a system.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Lee BY, Bartsch SM, Hayden MK .
How to choose target facilities in a region to implement carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae control measures.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Feb 1;72(3):438-47. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa072..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Implementation, Prevention, Patient Safety
Vsevolozhskaya OA, Manz KC, Zephyr PM
Measurement matters: changing penalty calculations under the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP) cost hospitals millions.
Since October 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has penalized 25% of U.S. hospitals with the highest rates of hospital-acquired conditions under the Hospital Acquired Conditions Reduction Program (HACRP). While early evaluations of the HACRP program reported cumulative reductions in hospital-acquired conditions, more recent studies have not found a clear association between receipt of the HACRP penalty and hospital quality of care. In this article, the authors posit that some of this disconnect may be driven by frequent scoring updates.
AHRQ-funded; HS025148.
Citation: Vsevolozhskaya OA, Manz KC, Zephyr PM .
Measurement matters: changing penalty calculations under the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP) cost hospitals millions.
BMC Health Serv Res 2021 Feb 10;21(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-06108-w..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Hospitals, Policy, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Patient Safety
Aasen DM, Bronsert Rozeboom, PD
Relationships between predischarge and postdischarge infectious complications, length of stay, and unplanned readmissions in the ACS NSQIP database.
This study looked at the relationships between predischarge and postdischarge infectious complications, length of stay, and unplanned hospital readmissions after surgery. Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database from 2012 to 2017 across nine surgical specialties was used to analyze 30-day postoperative infectious complications including sepsis, surgical site infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Postoperative infectious complications were identified in 5.2% of cases, of which 59.8% were postdischarge. The specific postdischarge complications identified were 73.4% of surgical site infections, 34.9% of sepsis cases, 26.5% of pneumonia cases, and 53.2% of urinary tract infections. These postoperative infections were associated with an increased risk of readmission. Most infections were diagnosed postdischarge. The trend towards shorter length of stays postoperation also contribute to the increase in infections detected after discharge and the rate of unplanned related postoperative readmissions.
AHRQ-funded; HS026019.
Citation: Aasen DM, Bronsert Rozeboom, PD .
Relationships between predischarge and postdischarge infectious complications, length of stay, and unplanned readmissions in the ACS NSQIP database.
Surgery 2021 Feb;169(2):325-32. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.08.009..
Keywords: Hospital Readmissions, Adverse Events, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Surgery
Nelson RE, Lautenbach E, Chang N
Attributable cost of healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a long-term care center.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the attributable cost of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) healthcare-associated infections in long-term care centers (LTCCs) within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Findings showed a significant increase in the odds of being transferred to an acute care facility and in acute care costs. These findings of high cost and increased risk of transfer from LTCC to acute care are important because they highlight the substantial clinical and economic impact of MRSA infections in this population.
AHRQ-funded; HS023794.
Citation: Nelson RE, Lautenbach E, Chang N .
Attributable cost of healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a long-term care center.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Jan 29;72(Suppl 1):S27-s33. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1582..
Keywords: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Healthcare Costs, Long-Term Care
Rinke ML, Heo M, Saiman L
Pediatric ambulatory central line-associated bloodstream infections.
Pediatrics 2021 Jan;147(1). doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-0524.
This study looked at ambulatory pediatric central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) incidence density, risk factors, and outcomes. This retrospective cohort with nested case-control study used data from 5 sites from 2010 through 2015. Chart review was used to confirm central line (CL) use and adjudicated CLABSIs. Out of 4600 potential at-risk children, 247 (15%) experienced 466 ambulatory CLABSIs. Incidence density was highest among patients with tunneled externalized catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters and totally implanted devices. Clinic visits and low albumin levels were potentially associated with CLABSI. Prophylactic antimicrobial agents for underlying conditions within the preceding 30 days and operating room CL placement were inversely associated with CLABSI. A total of 396 patients were hospitalized because of ambulatory CLABSI with an 8-day median length of stay.
This study looked at ambulatory pediatric central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) incidence density, risk factors, and outcomes. This retrospective cohort with nested case-control study used data from 5 sites from 2010 through 2015. Chart review was used to confirm central line (CL) use and adjudicated CLABSIs. Out of 4600 potential at-risk children, 247 (15%) experienced 466 ambulatory CLABSIs. Incidence density was highest among patients with tunneled externalized catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters and totally implanted devices. Clinic visits and low albumin levels were potentially associated with CLABSI. Prophylactic antimicrobial agents for underlying conditions within the preceding 30 days and operating room CL placement were inversely associated with CLABSI. A total of 396 patients were hospitalized because of ambulatory CLABSI with an 8-day median length of stay.
AHRQ-funded; HS024432.
Citation: Rinke ML, Heo M, Saiman L .
Pediatric ambulatory central line-associated bloodstream infections.
Pediatrics 2021 Jan;147(1). doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-0524..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Ambulatory Care and Surgery, Risk, Sepsis
Gaughan AA, Walker DM, DePuccio MJ
Rewarding and recognizing frontline staff for success in infection prevention.
This article discusses how managers can use reward and recognition programs as motivational tools to sustain frontline healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention. Data from interviews with hospital managers and frontline staff at 18 US hospitals were used to identify these tools.
AHRQ-funded; HS024958.
Citation: Gaughan AA, Walker DM, DePuccio MJ .
Rewarding and recognizing frontline staff for success in infection prevention.
Am J Infect Control 2021 Jan;49(1):123-25. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.208..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Kim JJ, Johnson JK, Stucke EM
Burden of perianal Staphylococcus aureus colonization in nursing home residents increases transmission to healthcare worker gowns and gloves.
Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to health care workers (HCWs) on gowns and gloves has been an issue in nursing homes. This study evaluated the effect of the burden in 13 community-based nursing homes in Maryland and Michigan. Residents were cultured for S. aureus at the perianal skin and the anterior nares areas. A total of 403 residents were enrolled, with 169 colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Transmission to HCW gowns and gloves was greater from those colonized with greater quantities of S. aureus on the perianal skin. These findings inform future infection control practices for both MRSA and MSSA in nursing homes.
AHRQ-funded; HS019979; HS025451.
Citation: Kim JJ, Johnson JK, Stucke EM .
Burden of perianal Staphylococcus aureus colonization in nursing home residents increases transmission to healthcare worker gowns and gloves.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020 Dec;41(12):1396-401. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.336..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Prevention
Hsu HE, Mathew R, Wang R
Health care-associated infections among critically ill children in the US, 2013-2018.
The purpose of this study was to examine changes over time in CLABSI and CAUTI rates between 2013 and 2018 in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) using prospective surveillance data from community hospitals, children's hospitals, and pediatric units within general hospitals. The investigators concluded that recent trends in CLABSI rates noted in this study among critically ill neonates and children in a large cohort of US hospitals indicated that past gains have held, without evidence of further improvements, suggesting novel approaches for CLABSI prevention are needed.
AHRQ-funded; HS025008; HS018414.
Citation: Hsu HE, Mathew R, Wang R .
Health care-associated infections among critically ill children in the US, 2013-2018.
https://www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33017011
JAMA Pediatr 2020 Dec;174(12):1176-83. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.3223..
JAMA Pediatr 2020 Dec;174(12):1176-83. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.3223..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Intensive Care Unit (ICU)