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October 2007, No. 326
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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