The following grant final reports are now available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Each listing identifies the project's principal investigator, his or her affiliation, grant number, and project period, and provides a brief description of the project.
Records of all 750,000 documents archived at NTIS—including many AHRQ documents and final reports from all completed AHRQ-supported grants—can now be searched on the new NTIS Web site. For information about findings from the projects described here, please access the relevant final reports at the NTIS Web site. Also, all items in the database from 1997 to the present can be downloaded from the Web site. Go to www.ntis.gov for more information.
Editor's Note: In addition to these final reports, you can access information about these projects from several other sources. Most of these researchers have published interim findings in the professional literature, and many have been summarized in Research Activities during the course of the project.
To find information presented in back issues of Research Activities, select "Search Research Activities." To search for information, enter either the grant or contract number or the principal investigator's last name in the query line. A reference librarian can help you find related journal articles through the National Library of Medicine's PubMed®.
Accelerating Quality Improvement in Health Care: Strategies to Speed the Diffusion of Evidence-Based Innovations. Steven Findlay, M.P.H., National Institute for Health Care Management Research and Education Foundation, Washington, DC. AHRQ grant HS12069, project period 4/1/02-3/31/03.
The project provided support for a conference held in January 2003 to explore the diffusion of innovations in health care. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103328; 38 pp, $29.50 paper $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Administrative Data and General Comorbidity Models. George Stukenborg, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Charlottesville. AHRQ grant HS10134, project period 5/1/01-4/30/03.
The researchers evaluated the utility of using diagnoses reported as present on admission in California hospital discharge abstract data to measure the effects of comorbid disease and other patient characteristics on the risk of hospital death. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103337; 106 pp, $38.00 paper, $20.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Angina in Primary Care. Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. AHRQ grant HS06901, project period 9/30/92-9/29/99.
The goal of the project was to determine the accuracy of noninvasive diagnostic testing—exercise tolerance testing (ETT), exercise echocardiography (ECHO), and exercise sestamibi imaging (MIBI)—in primary care patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103396; 224 pp, $54.50 paper, $26.50 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Applying Bayesian Network Approaches to Study Health Outcomes. Sun-Mi Lee, M.P.H., M.S.N., University of Maryland, Baltimore. AHRQ grant HS13867 project period 7/1/03-12/31/03.
The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using Bayesian networks, which are powerful data mining algorithms, in studying health outcomes using the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS) dataset consisting of 2,864 HIV-infected adults. Abstract, executive summary, final report, and dissertation (NTIS accession no PB2004-103393; 220 pp, $54.50 paper, $26.50 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
APRNet: NAMC Data and Privacy/Confidentiality Issues. Margaret Grey, Dr.P.H., Yale University, New Haven, CT. AHRQ grant HS11196, project period 9/30/00-9/29/03.
APRNet is a new regional practice-based research network for advance practice nurses in primary care in southern New England. This report summarizes two projects undertaken by the network: one, a network-defining survey and two, a multi-method study of patients and clinicians who are members of APRNet to determine their attitudes and knowledge of privacy and confidentiality issues. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103326; 26 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Assisted Living and Health System Use. Charles D. Phillips, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. AHRQ grant HS10606, project period 6/1/00-5/31-02.
For this project, researchers used a nationally representative sample from 1998 to focus on the use of Medicare-covered services while residing in an assisted living facility and residents' transition out of such facilities. Abstract, executive summary, final report, and appendixes (NTIS accession no PB1004-103335; 132 pp, $41.50 paper, $20.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Asthma School Initiative: Evaluating Three Models of Care. Mayris P. Webber, Dr.P.H., Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. AHRQ grant HS10136, project period 9/1/99-8/31/03.
The goals of this project were to evaluate whether access to on-site school health services was associated with better outcomes for children with asthma, including whether an outreach program could improve their health and well-being, improve their school attendance, and reduce their use of more costly forms of care. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103394; 30 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Best Practice: Basics and Beyond. Kathleen R. Stevens, Ed.D., R.N., University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX. AHRQ grant HS12079, project period 5/1/02-4/30/03.
This project provided support for a conference held in July 2002. The goal was to prepare nurses for an increasingly active role in evidence-based practice to improve patient care and outcomes through translation of research into practice. Abstract and final conference report (NTIS accession no PB2004-104526; 40 pp, $29.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Comparing Hospital and Office-Based Primary Care. David Blumenthal, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. AHRQ grant HS09369, project period 6/1/97-5/31/98.
This study addressed how the primary care provided by residents differed from that provided by staff physicians, the differences in care between visits to residents and/or interns and staff physicians compared with just residents/interns, and other influences on primary care in outpatient departments. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103392; 12 pp, $26.50 paper, $12.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Evidence-Based Medicine Workshops for the Practicing Clinician. Martha S. Gerrity, M.D., Ph.D., Society of General Internal Medicine, Washington, DC. AHRQ grant HS12085, project period 5/1/02-4/30/03.
This project provided support for three 1-day workshops and two abbreviated workshops held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians. The goal was to improve the use of evidence-based medicine among practicing clinicians in both urban and rural areas. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103330; 124 pp, $38.00 paper, $20.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Exploratory Data Analysis to Detect Preterm Risk Factors. Jonathan C. Prather, B.S., Duke University, Durham, NC. AHRQ grant HS09331, project period 9/1/96-8/31/97.
This study tested whether data-mining techniques applied to a comprehensive clinical practice database would detect previously unrecognized factors predictive of preterm birth. Abstract and executive summary of dissertation (NTIS accession no PB2004-103391; 16 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Factors Affecting Choice of Types of Hemodialysis Access. Kristen L. Johansen, M.D., Northern California Institute, San Francisco. AHRQ grant HS11471, project period 6/11/01-5/31/03.
These researchers examined the association of hospital, surgeon, and patient variables with the choice of type of initial vascular access—autogenous fistulas or artificial grafts—for patients receiving kidney dialysis in Veterans Health Administration facilities. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-102820; 24 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Hispanic/White Differences in Self-Reported Health Status. Joseph J. Sudano, Ph.D., MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH. AHRQ grant HS11462, project period 7/1/01-6/30/03.
These researchers used demographic, socioeconomic, health behavior, physical functioning, and psychosocial factors to examine factors affecting self-reported health status. The goals were to determine how these factors contribute to differences between Hispanics and whites in self-examination of health status and whether observed relationships differ by sex, vary using different techniques, or predict either physician visits or hospitalization across the groups. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-104529; 46 pp, $29.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Information Interpretation in Patient Decision Support. Margaret M. Holmes-Rovner, Ph.D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. AHRQ grant HS10608, project period 8/1/00-7/31/03.
These researchers examined information types commonly used to communicate risks and benefits of medical treatments to patients, including statistical information, graphic lists, graphic drawings and diagrams, and patient interviews. Abstract, executive summary, final report, and appendixes (NTIS accession no PB2004-103336; 104 pp, $38.00 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease. Vivian H. Ho, Ph.D., University of Alabama, Birmingham. AHRQ grant HS11501, project period 7/1/01-6/30/03.
This project involved analysis of Medicare claims data for patients with peripheral arterial disease in 1995 and followup over the subsequent 5 years to examine rates of revascularization and/or amputation and patient outcomes. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-102819; 16 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Measurement of Women's Satisfaction with Primary Care. Carol S. Weisman, Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. AHRQ grant HS10237, project period 7/1/00-12/31/02.
This project provided support for development and validation of the Primary Care Satisfaction Survey for Women, the first survey tool designed to measure adult women's satisfaction with their primary care experiences, including communication, office procedures and administration, and coordination and comprehensiveness of care. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103331; 76 pp, $34.00 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
National EMS Research Agenda Implementation Symposium. Lynn J. White, M.S., National Association of EMS Physicians. AHRQ grant HS12086, project period 6/1/02-5/31/03.
This project provided support for a 2-day symposium in June 2003, where attendees developed an emergency medicine research agenda, including eight recommendations to improve the conduct of emergency medicine research in the United States. Abstract, executive summary, and proceedings of symposium (NTIS accession no PB2004-104523; 20 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
National Network for Family Practice/Primary Care Research Continuation. John M. Hickner, M.D., M.S., American Academy of Family Physicians, Leawood, KS. AHRQ grant HS11182, project period 9/30/00-9/29/03.
This project supported the design and implementation of the Primary Care Network Survey among clinicians within the national practice-based research network, including testing of two methods of data collection: paper vs. hand-held computers (PDAs) among selected practices. Abstract and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-104524; 26 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Oral Health Intervention Trial in Older Adults. Ralph Saunders, D.D.S., M.S., University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. AHRQ grant HS10120, project period 9/1/99-8/31/03.
The goals of this project were to establish baseline oral health status for a population of older Medicare recipients, carry out a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a consumer-directed care model for oral health improvement, explore the hypothesis that improvements in oral health lead to improvements in general health, and serve as a vehicle for training of a minority junior investigator. Abstract and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-104528; 26 pp, $23.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Patterns of Rehabilitation Use Following Stroke. Nancy D. Harada, Ph.D., Regents University of California, Los Angeles. AHRQ grant HS11482, project period 8/1/01-7/31/03.
The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of stroke patients who receive five different patterns of rehabilitation use, as well as acute hospital and total episode length of stay by rehabilitation use pattern. Abstract and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-104525; 36 pp, $29.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Postpartum Matters: Women's Experiences of Medical Surveillance, Time, and Support After Birth. Christa M. Kelleher, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA. AHRQ grant HS10790, project period 9/30/00-12/31/02.
This study explored the historical development of postpartum medical surveillance and women's contemporary experiences of postpartum care during the month after vaginal delivery in Canada and the United States. Abstract and executive summary (NTIS accession no PB2004-104521; 16 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
PPRG: Retooling for the 21st Century, Phase 2. Helen J. Binns, M.D., M.P.H., Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL. AHRQ grant HS11248, project period 9/30/00-9/29/03.
This project involved primary data collection using the Primary Care Network Survey at pediatric offices for inclusion in a national dataset that will be used to describe care provided to children, adolescents, and adults. Abstract and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-104521; 16 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Quality of Care and Service Use for People with Disabilities. Lisa I. Iezzoni, M.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. AHRQ grant HS10223, project period 9/30/99-3/29/03.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of disability on people's experiences with care, including service use, access to care, and perceptions of quality. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-1033229; 72 pp, $31.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in CAHPS® Ratings and Reports.
Robert Weech-Maldonado, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. AHRQ grant HS11386, project period 5/1/01-4/30/03.
This study addressed three research questions: (1) Do the psychometric properties of CAHPS® reports and ratings of care differ by survey language (English or Spanish)? (2) Do the CAHPS® reports and ratings of Medicaid managed care vary by race/ethnicity and primary language? and (3) To what extent are the observed differences in Medicaid managed care ratings and reports of care a result of within and between plan effects? Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103333; 98 pp, $34.00 paper, $20.00 microfiche) are available from the
National Technical Information Service.
SES Differences in HMO Utilization by Older Americans. Jose J. Escarce, M.D., Ph.D., RAND, Santa Monica, CA. AHRQ grant HS09630, project period 4/1/99-3/31/03.
This project used administrative data from two Medicare+Choice plans and surveys of enrollees and recent disenrollees to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic status on provider visits; use of preventive care, home care, and durable medical equipment; and medical care expenditures. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103334; 116 pp, $38.00 paper, $20.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Strategies for Management of Dental Caries in Children. Richard G. Rozier, D.D.S., M.P.H., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. AHRQ grant HS06993, project period 7/1/92-6/30/95.
The goal of this project was to evaluate the effects of initiating a dental sealant benefit in the North Carolina Medicaid program on service provision, treatment outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Abstract, executive summary, and final report (NTIS accession no PB2004-103390; 32 pp, $29.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
Women and Heart Disease: Putting Prevention into Primary Care. Robyn Lipner, Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, Washington, DC. AHRQ grant HS13856, project period 9/30/02-9/29/03.
This project provided support for a 2-day conference involving experts and stakeholders in the field to discuss issues related to women and heart disease. Abstract and executive summary (NTIS accession no PB2004-104062; 22 pp, $26.50 paper, $14.00 microfiche) are available from the National Technical Information Service.
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