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Heart Disease Use of predictive instrument in the ER could save more than $700 million annually Consultation between generalists and cardiologists enhances care for heart attack patients
Outcomes/Effectiveness Research Amoxicillin works as well as newer, more costly, antibiotics for treating uncomplicated acute sinusitis Evaluation by a neurologist seems to be associated with better survival for many stroke patients Informal social support is linked to improved diabetes management among blacks
Clinical Decisionmaking Subcutaneous injections of epoetin work as well and cost less than IV epoetin for treating anemia in most dialysis patients Despite reported safety of the blood supply, many people prefer to store their own blood for transfusions Age affects recovery from traumatic brain injury
Hospitalization Patients undergoing major surgery in hospitals with limited nursing staffs suffer more complications Abnormal heart rhythm means longer hospital stays for many patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery Educational outreach programs can improve intensive care processes in rural hospitals Advance directives appear to have a limited role in guiding end-of-life care for seriously ill patients
Women and Families Women from diverse backgrounds generally agree on the quality of obstetric care they receive in the hospital Many low-income women are satisfied with Norplant contraception Treatment costs are nearly five times as high for infants weighing closer to 2 pounds than 3 pounds at birth Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis has little effect on future reproductive decisions of parents with a CF child Providing high school students with access to condoms does not increase teen sex
Long-term Care Nursing staff levels at U.S. nursing homes continue to be lower than recommended Nursing home characteristics have inconsistent effects on patient outcomes
HIV/AIDS Research Many HIV-infected Americans are not receiving medical care regularly
Special Populations Researchers identify the conditions that place homeless adults at the greatest risk of death
Managed Care/Primary Care Informal consultation among physicians may increase with growth in group practices and managed care Guidelines mailed to physicians on proper use of hypnotic sedatives can reduce inappropriate prescribing Quality improvement teams can address quality of care in primary care clinics, even in times of great turmoil
Law and Medicine Insurance contract language exerts the most influence over court decisions about treatment coverage States appear more willing than Federal authorities to approve mergers of health care providers
Research Issues Masking of author identity to improve fairness in review of medical journal articles remains difficult
AHCPR News and Notes AHCPR releases its first two evidence reports on sleep apnea and traumatic brain injury
Announcements AHCPR invites research proposals focusing on vulnerable populations AHCPR, SAMHSA, and NIMH award $2.1 million in grants to study mental health conditions in children Applications now being accepted for director of AHCPR's primary care research program AHCPR releases audiotapes from User Liaison Program workshops New products available from AHCPR and NTIS
Research Briefs Use of qualitative methods to evaluate diabetes education programs Reliability and validity of the adolescent health profile-types An empirical study of the effect of the control rate as a predictor of treatment efficacy in meta-analysis of clinical trials Physician retention in community and migrant health centers: Who stays and for low long? Analysis of life-long strategies to prevent Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia in patients with variable HIV progression rates
Internet Citation:
Research Activities newsletter. December 1998, No. 222. AHCPR Publication No. 99-0014. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/dec98/
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