Research Activities

October 2007, No. 326

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Contents

About Research Activities

Feature Story

AHRQ and FDA to collaborate in the largest study ever of possible heart risks with ADHA medications

Primary Care Research

Primary care practice-based research networks are a young diverse group vital to translating research into practice
Studies funded by AHRQ's Primary Care Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) identify ways to improve patient care and report medical errors
Studies examine dispensing of sample medications and preventing medication errors in primary care practices
Primary care doctors should encourage colorectal cancer screening and clarify that screening is not just for those with symptoms

Health Literacy

Strategies to improve health literacy for diverse populations should address literacy, language, and cultural barriers
Health literacy is not associated with how minorities perceive their physical or mental health status

Disparities/Minority Health

Researchers examine link between trauma and alcohol problems as well as cardiovascular risk factors among American Indians
Black, Hispanic, and white patients with diabetes differ in performance of self-care behaviors to manage their disease
Studies show lower colorectal cancer screening rates and access to surgery among the poor, minority, and uninsured
Barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in black men arise from lower socioeconomic status
Asian Pacific American ethnic groups vary in their adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy

Patient Safety and Quality

Accurate laboratory detection of bladder cancer requires close followup with repeated testing

Women's Health

Three-fourths of low-income black women are dissatisfied with their body size 6 months after giving birth
Information women receive in pregnancy affects their childbirth preferences after prior cesarean delivery

Elderly/Long-term Care

Elderly blacks' higher hospitalization rates for certain conditions suggest worse quality of outpatient care
Elderly women in the early stages of lung cancer live longer than elderly men, regardless of the type of treatment they receive
Low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids predicts increased risk for acute coronary syndrome

Outcomes/Effectiveness Research

Studies examine medication adherence and group medical visits among persons with high blood pressure

Health Care Costs and Financing

Educational outreach to individual physicians to improve antihypertensive drug prescribing can reduce drug costs

Acute Care Hospitalization

One-third of patients with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes do not have their blood sugar assessed before hospital discharge
Studies show shorter hospital stays for coronary bypass surgery reduce costs without harm to patients

Agency News and Notes

AHRQ's free notification service brings news and information to your E-mail inbox
New HCUP statistical report on hospital-based care is available online
AHRQ releases a new guide to help consumers make health insurance decisions

Announcements

MEPS and HCUP workshops will be offered at APHA annual meeting
AHRQ announces new grant awards for Health Services Research Dissertation (R36)

Research Briefs

Research Briefs

AHRQ Publication No. 07-0081
Current as of October 2007

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Internet Citation:

Research Activities Newsletter. October 2007, No. 326. AHRQ Publication No. 07-0081. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/oct07/

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