Nine-Hospital Collaborative Uses Patient Screening Criteria, Fast-Track Diagnosis, and Treatment Protocols to Reduce Sepsis Mortality by More Than 50 Percent

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Nine-Hospital Collaborative Uses Patient Screening Criteria, Fast-Track Diagnosis, and Treatment Protocols to Reduce Sepsis Mortality by More Than 50 Percent

Participating hospitals reduced mortality among sepsis patents during the study period by 44 percent, 1-year poststudy mortality decreased by 54.5 percent, and the initiative has generated a positive return on investment.

Reducing Disparities Through Peer Support

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Reducing Disparities Through Peer Support

The featured Innovations describe a mentor program for African-American veterans with diabetes that improved blood glucose control and an interactive education class for kidney transplant candidates that increased the percentage of African-American patients and people of lower socioeconomic status, who completed the transplant evaluation process. 

Innovation in Clinical and Community Relationships Post-Katrina: A Conversation With Eric Baumgartner, MD, MPH

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Innovation in Clinical and Community Relationships Post-Katrina: A Conversation With Eric Baumgartner, MD, MPH

The local health care system in Louisiana was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A collaboration of local community clinics, the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI), and other partners decided to work on rebuilding the primary care capacity and building the foundation for a high performing, sustainable, community-based approach to health care and population health.

Round-the-Clock Intensivists Eliminate Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Central Line Infections, and Pressure Ulcers in Intensive Care Unit

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Round-the-Clock Intensivists Eliminate Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Central Line Infections, and Pressure Ulcers in Intensive Care Unit

Since program implementation, the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line infections and pressure ulcers have decreased, intensive care unit (ICU) readmissions have declined, ICU length of stay remains low, and testing and pain management education have increased.

Community- and Practice-Based Teams, Real-Time Information, and Financial Incentives Help Medical Homes Improve Care, Reduce Utilization and Costs

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Community- and Practice-Based Teams, Real-Time Information, and Financial Incentives Help Medical Homes Improve Care, Reduce Utilization and Costs

The program also provides real-time electronic information to support the provision of appropriate care and offers significant financial incentives that reward practices for becoming recognized as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home™. The program has improved the provision of appropriate care and services and reduced utilization and growth in health care spending. 

Medicaid Managed Care Plan Offers Patient-Specific, Pay-for-Performance Program, Leading to Improvements in Immunization Rates and Diabetes Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Medicaid Managed Care Plan Offers Patient-Specific, Pay-for-Performance Program, Leading to Improvements in Immunization Rates and Diabetes Care

Although some program elements have been temporarily suspended for financial reasons, the initiative has improved immunization rates and diabetes care and generated a positive response from providers, without having a negative impact on health disparities.

Alerts and Decision Support for Abnormal Laboratory Values Do Not Improve Clinical Management or Reduce Adverse Events

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Alerts and Decision Support for Abnormal Laboratory Values Do Not Improve Clinical Management or Reduce Adverse Events

The program had no impact on the clinical management of these patients or the frequency of adverse events. Program developers nonetheless believe the approach could be highly effective if the alerts and decision support were better integrated into existing workflow and the system made easier to use. They are working on these refinements and plan to test a revamped program in the future.

Statewide Program Supports Medical Homes Through Multidisciplinary Teams, Easy Access to Information, and Incentives, Leading to Lower Costs and Better Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Statewide Program Supports Medical Homes Through Multidisciplinary Teams, Easy Access to Information, and Incentives, Leading to Lower Costs and Better Care

The program’s overall goal is to give practices the motivation, support, and infrastructure needed to deliver coordinated, high-quality care within the current work environment. Initially, the Blueprint model was pilot tested in three areas and now serves more than half the state’s residents in 14 communities. Early trends in the pilot communities suggest that the program has reduced utilization and growth in health care spending and improved the provision of appropriate care and services.

Community Partnership Uses Lay Health Advisers to Reduce Chronic Disease Risk Factors, Leading to Improvements in Lifestyle and Health in Low-Income African Americans

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Community Partnership Uses Lay Health Advisers to Reduce Chronic Disease Risk Factors, Leading to Improvements in Lifestyle and Health in Low-Income African Americans

The program, which involved two distinct project periods (1999-2000 for planning and 2000-2007 for implementation), improved health-related skills and behaviors (e.g., eating more healthfully, engaging in more physical activity), leading to anecdotal reports of better health. 

Clinical-Community Linkages to Improve Chronic Disease Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Clinical-Community Linkages to Improve Chronic Disease Care
The featured Innovations describe a community-level partnership that used lay health advisers and a public-private initiative that leveraged community health teams to improve chronic disease care. 

Improving Patient Flow and Reducing Emergency Department Crowding: A Guide for Hospitals

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Improving Patient Flow and Reducing Emergency Department Crowding: A Guide for Hospitals

This guide, for hospital administrators and emergency department leaders, provides step-by-step instructions for planning and implementing patient flow improvement strategies to ease emergency department crowding.

Disclosure Toolkit and Disclosure Culture Assessment Tool

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Disclosure Toolkit and Disclosure Culture Assessment Tool

The Disclosure Culture Assessment Tool enables organizations to determine their current cultural environment and structures needed around safety and disclosure of adverse events.

Simple, Patient-Friendly Informed Consent Process Increases Proportion of Patients Reading Form and Able to Describe Surgical Procedure

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Simple, Patient-Friendly Informed Consent Process Increases Proportion of Patients Reading Form and Able to Describe Surgical Procedure

The purpose of this process is to promote patient understanding through the use of plain language principles and the "teach-back" method. The new form and consent process have increased the proportion of patients observed to be reading the form and who were able to describe their surgery in their own words, and enhanced patients' comfort level with asking questions. Anecdotal reports also suggest that patients, families, and nurses are satisfied with the enhanced process and form.

Scoring System Helps Choose Approaches and Devices for Safely Moving Patients, Leading to Fewer Staff Injuries and Lost Work Days

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Scoring System Helps Choose Approaches and Devices for Safely Moving Patients, Leading to Fewer Staff Injuries and Lost Work Days

The program significantly reduced staff injuries and nearly eliminated lost and restricted staff work days associated with these injuries at Bay Pines. In addition, other Veterans Health Administration sites have also experienced significant reductions in staff injuries since implementing the program.

Expert Commentary: Multidisciplinary Hospital Team Proactively Meets With Patients and/or Families, Allowing Them to Better Deal With Unexpected Deaths and Other Negative Events

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Expert Commentary: Multidisciplinary Hospital Team Proactively Meets With Patients and/or Families, Allowing Them to Better Deal With Unexpected Deaths and Other Negative Events

By establishing programs to help people recover emotionally after unexpected negative events, hospitals can achieve gains in patient satisfaction and in staff retention.

Three-Tiered Emotional Support System Generates Positive Feedback From Providers Who Become "Second Victims" of an Unanticipated Clinical Event

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Three-Tiered Emotional Support System Generates Positive Feedback From Providers Who Become "Second Victims" of an Unanticipated Clinical Event

The goal is to help clinicians effectively manage negative emotional responses that might otherwise threaten future professional competence, patient care, and safety. Anecdotal feedback suggests that those professionals involved in such events have meaningfully benefited from the program.

Support Following Unexpected Clinical Events

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Support Following Unexpected Clinical Events

The featured Innovations describe one hospital program that provides multidisciplinary team support to patients and families who experience an unexpected clinical event, and another program that provides support to clinicians who are the "secondary victims" of unexpected events.

2011 National Healthcare Disparities Report

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | 2011 National Healthcare Disparities Report

The 2011 report presents expanded analyses of care received by older Americans. It also addresses six priority areas for quality improvement, as identified in the National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care report and presents novel strategies for improving quality and reducing disparities from AHRQ's Health Care Innovations Exchange.

Hospital Partnership Offers Pathways-Based Case Management Program, Leading to Enhanced Access to Appropriate Care for Uninsured

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Hospital Partnership Offers Pathways-Based Case Management Program, Leading to Enhanced Access to Appropriate Care for Uninsured

The program also connects patients to other community resources and addresses health, social, and logistical barriers to care. The program significantly enhanced access to appropriate care and improved client understanding of their medical condition, resulting in enhanced health functioning and a significant decline in emergency department use and costs for nonemergent conditions.

Family-Oriented Program Combines Medical Care and Behavioral Counseling, Leading to Health Improvements in Obese Children and Adolescents

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Family-Oriented Program Combines Medical Care and Behavioral Counseling, Leading to Health Improvements in Obese Children and Adolescents

Outcomes evaluation suggests that BrennerFIT participants have reduced their body mass index and cardiovascular risk factors, while post-implementation data and surveys show a low dropout rate and high levels of patient/family satisfaction with the program.

AIDS Care Project Makes Acupuncture Treatment Accessible to People Living With HIV/AIDS

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | AIDS Care Project Makes Acupuncture Treatment Accessible to People Living With HIV/AIDS

The program has enhanced access to acupuncture and herbal treatments for low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, reduced side effects from antiretroviral therapy, and alleviated pain in patients experiencing chronic pain.

State Health Department Support Spurs Development of Many Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs After Passage of Legislative Mandate

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | State Health Department Support Spurs Development of Many Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs After Passage of Legislative Mandate

Support includes recommendations on program elements based on best practices, consultations and education, hospital collaboratives to facilitate sharing of ideas across similar organizations, and creation of common metrics to track and benchmark performance. The initiative has played an important role in convincing many California hospitals to develop antimicrobial stewardship programs.

State Agency Promotes Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders, Leading to Better Access and Positive Outcomes

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | State Agency Promotes Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders, Leading to Better Access and Positive Outcomes

The policies include mandatory screening for both disorders using validated tools, a learning collaborative and evaluations to promote quality improvement, and financial incentives to clinics achieving various service benchmarks. The department also offers training to help providers with various issues related to these policies.

Insurer Provides Financial Incentives, Infrastructure, and Other Support to Stimulate Provider Participation in Quality Improvement Collaborations

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Insurer Provides Financial Incentives, Infrastructure, and Other Support to Stimulate Provider Participation in Quality Improvement Collaborations

Participating providers take ownership over all activities, including data collection and analysis through a registry, regular performance reports, and periodic meetings to review data and identify and share best practices. This incentive and support structure has generated very high levels of provider participation in the collaborations, which, based on results from the four longest-running initiatives, have significantly improved quality, reduced costs, and generated a positive return on investment.

Health Care Policy Innovations

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Health Care Policy Innovations

This issue’s featured Innovations describe an insurer’s incentive and support structure to stimulate quality improvement, a health care policy initiative implemented by the State of Connecticut, and a California state program that supports health care facilities in meeting a legislative mandate.

Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging
Guide includes sample exercises for endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility and a list of resources.

Advancing Pharmacy Health Literacy Practices Through Quality Improvement: Curricular Modules for Faculty

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Advancing Pharmacy Health Literacy Practices Through Quality Improvement: Curricular Modules for Faculty

The modules consist of 17 activity guides with 4 accompanying PowerPoint presentations. Each activity guide includes a list of further resources.

Web-Based Service Helps Runaway and Homeless Adolescents Feel More Empowered About Health, Enhances Access to Quality Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Web-Based Service Helps Runaway and Homeless Adolescents Feel More Empowered About Health, Enhances Access to Quality Care

Adolescents using the service report feeling more empowered and knowledgeable about their health, while program staff report multiple cases in which the service has enhanced access to and improved the quality of medical care.

Engaging Patients as Observers Represents Low-Cost, Accurate Way to Monitor and Improve Hand Hygiene in Outpatient Settings

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Engaging Patients as Observers Represents Low-Cost, Accurate Way to Monitor and Improve Hand Hygiene in Outpatient Settings

The program led to modest improvements in already high rates of adherence to appropriate hand hygiene procedures and to more departments meeting the 90-percent adherence goal; using patients as observers also proved to be a low-cost, accurate means of monitoring hand hygiene (a requirement for any organization accredited by The Joint Commission).

Support and Services at Home (SASH) Evidence-Based Practices Directory

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Support and Services at Home (SASH) Evidence-Based Practices Directory

This Directory was developed to aid the SASH programs in developing and revising their Community Healthy Aging Plans, a key component of SASH. 

MD Link: Partnering Physicians with Community Organizations: A Toolkit for Physician Champions

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | MD Link: Partnering Physicians with Community Organizations: A Toolkit for Physician Champions\

Toolkit for physicians who wish to collaborate with community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve older adults. 

Care Coordination, Peer Support, and Discretionary Fund Improve Quality of Life and Reduce Costs for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Care Coordination, Peer Support, and Discretionary Fund Improve Quality of Life and Reduce Costs for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

Offered at no cost to participants, the program has enhanced access to treatment, employment, and job training; reduced suicide and self-harm attempts, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, incarcerations, and homelessness; and significantly lowered health care and other mental illness–related costs.

Affordable Housing Community Offers Seniors Onsite Health Care Coordination and Support, Reducing Hospital Admissions and Falls and Improving Resident Health

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Affordable Housing Community Offers Seniors Onsite Health Care Coordination and Support, Reducing Hospital Admissions and Falls and Improving Resident Health

In a year-long pilot test with 65 residents, the program reduced hospital admissions and readmissions, had no bounce backs to nursing homes, decreased falls, improved nutritional status, and increased levels of physical activity.

Coordinating Community Care for Seniors

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Coordinating Community Care for Seniors

The Featured Innovations describe two programs that provide seniors with care coordination and support, which reduced hospital and nursing home admissions, and a third program that provides care coordination to adults with serious mental illness, which reduced emergency department visits.

Immediate Post-Event Debriefing Improves Multiple Aspects of Response to Codes and Increases Staff Satisfaction

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Immediate Post-Event Debriefing Improves Multiple Aspects of Response to Codes and Increases Staff Satisfaction

The program has improved overall performance in handling cardiopulmonary resuscitation codes, generating fast response times, reducing the frequency of equipment-related issues, improving success with first-time intubations, and enhancing communication and teamwork. This success has, in turn, improved staff satisfaction.

Disease Management Programs Improve Adherence to Evidence-Based Processes and Outcomes by Targeting Sickest Patients and Working Closely With Physicians

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Disease Management Programs Improve Adherence to Evidence-Based Processes and Outcomes by Targeting Sickest Patients and Working Closely With Physicians

The program has led to significant improvements in patient self-management, greater adherence to key evidence-based practices, and improved outcomes, including reduced symptoms for asthma patients, reduced readmissions for heart failure patients, and lower hemoglobin A1c for diabetes patients.

Child Asthma Risk Assessment Tool (CARAT)

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Child Asthma Risk Assessment Tool (CARAT)

The remainder of the CARAT Web site provides details on what asthma is, what causes asthma symptoms, and what can be done to reduce exposure to these asthma triggers.

Pediatric Asthma Initiative: Environmental History Form

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Pediatric Asthma Initiative: Environmental History Form

The questions on the form related to the child’s home also apply to other indoor environments where the child spends time, including school, daycare, car, school bus, work, and recreational facilities.

Parents Helping Parents Fight Asthma

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Parents Helping Parents Fight Asthma

It includes sample presentation slides and a manual (also available in Spanish) that provides information on how to reduce asthma symptoms and attacks and improve the quality of life for both parents and children.

Real-Time, Color-Coded Alerts Improve Adherence to Pediatric Asthma Guidelines in Primary Care Practices

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Real-Time, Color-Coded Alerts Improve Adherence to Pediatric Asthma Guidelines in Primary Care Practices

The alerts moderately increased adherence to the guidelines, as compared with a control group of practices that did not have access to the alerts but could make use of embedded asthma tools if they proactively entered and searched the electronic record.

National Academy and Affiliated State Chapters Support Pediatricians in Improving Asthma Care, Leading to Better Guideline Adherence and Disease Control, Fewer Acute Episodes

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | National Academy and Affiliated State Chapters Support Pediatricians in Improving Asthma Care, Leading to Better Guideline Adherence and Disease Control, Fewer Acute Episodes

Over a 1-year period, support included upfront training of the chapters and participating practices on quality improvement concepts, followed by ongoing sharing of data and best practices and assistance with problem-solving. The program improved adherence to recommended care processes, leading to better asthma control.

Mobile Clinic and In-Home Educator Generate Small, Short-Term Increases in Symptom-Free Days in Inner-City Preschool Children With Asthma But No Improvements in Other Key Outcomes

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Mobile Clinic and In-Home Educator Generate Small, Short-Term Increases in Symptom-Free Days in Inner-City Preschool Children With Asthma But No Improvements in Other Key Outcomes

In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), children enrolled in the Head Start program in Baltimore received services from a mobile pediatric asthma clinic and from asthma educators.

Pediatric Asthma Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Pediatric Asthma Care

The featured Innovations describe one program that provided services to urban preschool children in an effort to improve asthma-related outcomes, and two programs that improved pediatric asthma care by increasing adherence to well-established care guidelines.

Musculoskeletal Care Innovations

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Large compendium of musculoskeletal care innovations and online tools for healthcare providers. 

Effective Health Care Program: Tools and Resources

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Effective Health Care Program: Tools and Resources

The materials cover various health topics and are developed through patient-centered outcomes research. The site also provides materials for researchers and others interested in the systematic study of evidence and research methods.

Effective Health Care Program: Research Summaries for Consumers, Clinicians, and Policymakers

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Effective Health Care Program: Research Summaries for Consumers, Clinicians, and Policymakers

The summaries are based on comparative effectiveness reviews that cover numerous health topics. The summaries are not clinical recommendations or guidelines and should not be interpreted as such.

Multifaceted Program Helps Pediatricians Screen for Maternal Depression and Assess Infant Crying and Toilet Training, Enhancing Their Ability to Prevent, Identify, and Address Cases of Potential Child Abuse

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Multifaceted Program Helps Pediatricians Screen for Maternal Depression and Assess Infant Crying and Toilet Training, Enhancing Their Ability to Prevent, Identify, and Address Cases of Potential Child Abuse

As part of the intervention, pediatricians ask parents about crying, bonding/attachment, toilet training, and discipline and provide educational materials related to abuse and neglect prevention to patients and prominently in waiting and examination rooms. 

Health Plan and Psychiatric Hospitals Reduce Readmissions by Reviewing Data and Developing Strategies to Improve Postdischarge Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Health Plan and Psychiatric Hospitals Reduce Readmissions by Reviewing Data and Developing Strategies to Improve Postdischarge Care

The program significantly reduced overall readmission rates at participating hospitals. Patients involved in specific quality improvement initiatives that came out of the program also experienced significantly fewer readmissions, along with associated declines in inpatient days and costs.

Toolkit for Intervention of Overweight Children and Adolescents

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Toolkit for Intervention of Overweight Children and Adolescents

Online toolkit to educate the public about the childhood obesity epidemic and its effects on physical, mental, social, and economic health.

Hospital Enhances Access to Healthy Food Through Onsite Pantry and Cooking Classes, Leading to Better Diet and Health for Low-Income Families

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Hospital Enhances Access to Healthy Food Through Onsite Pantry and Cooking Classes, Leading to Better Diet and Health for Low-Income Families

The program has enhanced access to healthful foods among low-income families, generated high levels of satisfaction among these families, and, according to anecdotal reports, improved the diet and overall health of those served.

Group Sessions and Automated Phone Counseling Help Overweight Children in Low-Income Families Improve Health-Related Behaviors, Quality of Life, and Body Mass Index

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Group Sessions and Automated Phone Counseling Help Overweight Children in Low-Income Families Improve Health-Related Behaviors, Quality of Life, and Body Mass Index

In a pilot test, the program helped children reduce body mass index, achieve more muscle mass, improve their health-related quality of life, reduce screen time, and increase levels of physical activity.

Improving the Diet of Low-Income Families

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Improving the Diet of Low-Income Families

Low-income families face multiple challenges related to eating healthfully, including the relatively high cost of healthy foods, the lack of healthful choices in urban neighborhoods, and limited knowledge on how to prepare nutritious meals. Family-focused interventions can help overcome such barriers and promote healthy diets among low-income populations. 

Mental Health Care Resources

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Large compilation of online resources for mental healthcare professionals, including innovation profiles and tools. 

Infectious Disease Health Care Innovations

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Hundreds of online healthcare tools and innovation profiles about infectious diseases.

Topics include Anogenital human papilloma virus infection, Anthrax, Antibiotic prophylaxis, Bacterial infection, Botulism, Campylobacter infections, Catheterization, central venous, Catheter-related infection, Chickenpox, Chlamydia infections, Clostridium difficile infection, Common cold, Community-acquired pneumonia, Cryptosporidiosis, Cytomegalovirus infections, Drug resistance, Erythema infectiosum, Escherichia coli infections, Fever, Food-borne diseases, Genital warts, Gonococcal infections, Hand hygiene, Hepatitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes zoster disease, Human papillomavirus, Infection prophylaxis, Influenza, avian, Leprosy, Listeria infections, Malaria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium avium complex infections, Mycoses, Norovirus gastroenteritis, Nosocomial infection, Otitis, Otitis media, Otitis media with effusion, Pertussis, Pertussis vaccine, Pneumococcal infections, Pneumonia, pneumococcal, Pneumonia, pneumocystis carinii, Respiratory tract infections, lower, Respiratory tract infections, upper, Rhinitis, Salmonella infections, Septic shock, Septicemia, Sexually transmitted diseases, Sexually transmitted diseases screening, Shigella infections, Streptococcal infections, group B, Streptococcus group B, Surgical wound infection, Swine influenza, Swine-origin influenza a h1n1 virus, Toxoplasmosis, Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis and HIV, Universal precautions, Urinary tract infection, Vancomycin resistant enterococcus, Ventilator-associated pneumonia, Viral hepatitis, Zoonoses.

Hematology and Oncologic Health Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Diverse online repository of hematology and oncologic health care innovation profiles and tools.

Promoting Your Public Report: A Hands-On Guide

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Promoting Your Public Report: A Hands-On Guide

The suggested approaches and template materials are intended for use with the media, both in traditional settings (e.g., printed newspapers, radio broadcasts) and online avenues (e.g., news Web sites, blogs). 

DiabetesIQ

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | DiabetesIQ

Users can track glucose levels, blood pressure, weight, and exercise and share the information with health care professionals or caregivers.

Culturally Appropriate, School-Based Education and Support Reduces Likelihood That Latino Teens Will Engage in Risky Sexual Behaviors

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Culturally Appropriate, School-Based Education and Support Reduces Likelihood That Latino Teens Will Engage in Risky Sexual Behaviors

 The program incorporates commonly held cultural beliefs in the Latino community, using them to frame abstinence and condom use as acceptable and effective health strategies.

Hospital-Based Social Workers Follow Up With Recently Discharged Older Adults to Resolve Transition Problems, Reducing Readmissions and Deaths

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Hospital-Based Social Workers Follow Up With Recently Discharged Older Adults to Resolve Transition Problems, Reducing Readmissions and Deaths

The program enhanced patients' and caregivers' knowledge and ability to manage at home, improved attendance at followup appointments, and reduced readmissions and deaths.

The Patient-Centered Medical Home: A Resource Guide for Integrating Comprehensive Medication Management to Optimize Patient Outcomes

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | The Patient-Centered Medical Home: A Resource Guide for Integrating Comprehensive Medication Management to Optimize Patient Outcomes

The guide focuses on the decisions surrounding the comprehensive management of a patient’s medications, regardless of source, method of delivery, or form of administration.

Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Reducing the Risk of Primary Breast Cancer: Guidance for Shared Decision Making

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Reducing the Risk of Primary Breast Cancer: Guidance for Shared Decision Making

 This educational program for clinicians provides information about the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) systematic review of the comparative effectiveness and safety of tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone for reducing the risk of primary breast cancer in women.

Nonprofit Organization Enhances Access to Medical and Dental Care for Those With Disabilities by Helping Them Overcome Their Fears

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Nonprofit Organization Enhances Access to Medical and Dental Care for Those With Disabilities by Helping Them Overcome Their Fears

 The program has enhanced access to medical, dental, and personal care services for numerous individuals, many of whom overcame their fears and now receive care without sedation or restraints.

Agency Enhances Access to Culturally Competent Home Care by Providing Trained Aides to Asian American Seniors With Limited English Proficiency

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Agency Enhances Access to Culturally Competent Home Care by Providing Trained Aides to Asian American Seniors With Limited English Proficiency

The program has enhanced access to culturally sensitive care by serving hundreds of frail seniors who otherwise would not have had access to such care and by expanding culturally competent home-care services to the underserved Asian population in the Philadelphia region.

Patient-Centered Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Patient-Centered Care

The featured Innovations describe two programs that delivered patient-centered care to vulnerable populations, thereby improving the patient experience and enhancing access to appropriate care.

The featured QualityTools provide clinicians and other stakeholders with resource guides that support a patient-centered approach to medication management.

My Life Check

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | My Life Check 
The tool uses information such as blood pressure, smoking status, diet, and physical activity to determine the user's current heart score.

The Transformation of Health and Health Care Delivery: A Conversation with Barbara Spurrier, Administrative Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | The Transformation of Health and Health Care Delivery: A Conversation with Barbara Spurrier, Administrative Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation

The lab is a clinical environment where providers can experiment with health care delivery methods, prototypes, and processes to discover new insights and address problems.

Weekly Home Monitoring and Pharmacist Feedback Improve Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Weekly Home Monitoring and Pharmacist Feedback Improve Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients

The program has reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly for those with the highest readings entering the program, and generated high levels of patient satisfaction.

Spreading Innovations to Enhance Care for Older Adults: An Interview With Amy Berman of the John A. Hartford Foundation

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Spreading Innovations to Enhance Care for Older Adults: An Interview With Amy Berman of the John A. Hartford Foundation

The Hartford Foundation supports multiple projects focused on improving care transitions, which are critical for frail, elderly patients seeing multiple providers in different settings.The foundation is especially concerned with improving care for older adults with multiple chronic conditions and functional impairment.

Heart Attack Risk Calculator

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Heart Attack Risk Calculator

The tool uses information such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels to help determine a level of risk for heart problems. Upon completing the questionnaire, users can print various reports to help them make a plan with their doctor to reduce their risk.

Language Concordant Health Coaches Team with Residents to Help Improve Patients' Self Care Skills, Leading to Better Diabetes Management

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Language Concordant Health Coaches Team with Residents to Help Improve Patients' Self Care Skills, Leading to Better Diabetes Management

 The program improved the management, documentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with diabetes.

Gynecologic and Obstretic Healthcare

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Large online repository of gynecologic and obstretic care tools and case studies available at AHRQ's Innovations Exchange.

Subjects include telehealth, pneumothorax, chlamydia, Birth plan, Birth trauma, Breast diseases, Cervical cancer, Cervical cancer screening, Cesarean section, Contraception, Depression, postpartum, Episiotomy, Fertility, Fetal death, Genetic counseling, Gestational diabetes, Gynecological examination, HIV and pregnancy, Hormone replacement therapy, Human papillomavirus,l Infertility, Labor (childbirth), Labor and delivery, Labor induction, Manual pelvic examination, Maternal hyperthyroidism, Maternal hypothyroidism, Menopause, Newborn death, Postnatal care, Postpartum hemorrhage, Pregnancy, Pregnancy in adolescence, Premature birth, Rh deficiency syndrome, Sexual dysfunction, Sexually transmitted diseases, Spontaneous rupture of membranes, Thyroid disease in pregnancy, Transdermal contraception, Vaginal bleeding, Vaginal smears.

Gastroenterologic Healthcare

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Online tools and health care profiles for those specializing in gastroenterologic care.

Profiles and tools cover topics such as caloric, colorectal cancer, acuity, patients, Abdominal pain, chronic, Celiac disease, Cystic fibrosis, Digestive system disorders, Digital rectal examination, Functional gastrointestinal disorders, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hepatitis, Hepatotoxicity, Intestinal obstruction, Irritable bowel syndrome, Lactose intolerance, Nausea, vomiting, Sigmoidoscopy, oncology, hormone.

Taking Innovations to Scale

AHRQ Innovations Exchange

AHRQ announces "Taking Innovations To Scale", featuring new resources and tools to help innovators spread their innovations and potential adopters learn how to implement innovations in their organizations.

Spreading Innovations for Cardiovascular Health

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Spreading Innovations for Cardiovascular Health

Check out the new issue of the Innovations Exchange which features programs that developed improvements in the management of cardiovascular disease and chronic conditions. 

Endocrinologic and Metabolic Health Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Discover dozens of new methods to improve endocrinologic and metabolic health care from hospitals across the U.S.

Innovations cover topics such as Cholesterol measurement, Dehydration, insulin-dependent, Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent, Diabetic foot, Dyslipidemia, Gestational diabetes, Glycemic control, Hemochromatosis, Hirsutism, Hypercholesterolemia, familial, Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Hypoglycemia, Impaired fasting glucose, Impaired glucose tolerance, Lactic acidosis, Lipid disorders, Lipid-lowering therapy, Maternal hyperthyroidism, Maternal hypothyroidism, Postpartum thyroiditis, Thyroid disease in pregnancy, Thyroid disease.

Diet and Nutrition

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

View health care innovations focused on diet and nutrition. 

Topics include nutrients, pregnancy, Body mass index procedure, Childhood obesity, Dehydration, Diabetic diet, Diet, Diet and cancer, Food labeling, Malnutrition, Minerals, Nutrition, Obesity, Overweight, Parenteral nutrition, total, Vitamins, Weight loss.

Dentistry Innovations

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Learn about health care innovations regarding dental caries and tooth diseases. Topics include abscess, impoverished, uninsured, children, immigrant, oral, fluoride, treatments, psychiatric, homeless, x-rays, referrals, fluoride varnish applications, dental sealants, examinations, x-rays, cleanings, screentings, restorations, rescue, torture, cavity, decay, dentistry.

Cardiovascular Care Profiles

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject Results

Find more than 200 online tools and profiles of health care innovations focused on cardiovascular care.

Topics include: Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Acute cerebrovascular accidents, Angioplasty, Anticoagulation, Anticoagulation, chronic, Aortic valve insufficiency, Aortic valve stenosis, Arrhythmia, Atrial fibrillation, Blood pressure, Cardiac arrest, Cardiac catheterization procedures, Cardiac disease risk factor, Cardiac resynchronization therapy, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Cardiothoracic surgery, Cardiovascular diseases, Carotid endarterectomy, Catheterization, central venous, Cholesterol measurement, Congestive heart failure, Coronary arteriosclerosis, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Coronary heart disease, D-dimer test, Deep vein thrombosis, Door to balloon time, Dyslipidemia, Ejection fraction, Heart diseases, Heart failure, Heart valve disease, Heart valve prosthesis, Hypercholesterolemia, familial, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Hypertension screening, Hypertriglyceridemia, Ischemic stroke, Lipid disorders, Lipid-lowering therapy, Long QT syndrome, Mitral valve insufficiency, Mitral valve prolapse, Mitral valve stenosis, Myocardial infarction, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Peripheral arterial disease, Pneumatic compression therapy, Post-myocardial infarction, Postoperative myocardial infarction, Prolonged QT interval, Radiofrequency ablation, Renal artery stenosis, Stent, cardiac, Stroke, Stroke prevention, Stroke rehabilitation, Sudden cardiac death, Syncope, Thromboembolism, Thrombolytic therapy, Thrombosis, deep venous, prophylaxis, Torsades de pointes, Transient ischemic attack, Traumatic shock.

Allergy and Immunologic Care

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Allergy and Immunologic Care

Discover dozens of allergy and immunologic care innovations and tools at the AHRQ Innovations Exchange. 

Find information about allergens, anaphylaxis, asthma, childhood, drug, allergy, hay, fever, immunotherapy, lactose, intolerance, lupus, plasma, exchange, scleroderma, disease, diabetes, underinsured, bilingual, bicultural, admissions, pharmacists, hospitalizations, medicaid, medical, ACCTION, physicians.

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Browse by Subject

Find hundreds of health care innovations listed by topic including patient population, clinical category, setting of care, etc. Browse categories that include: chronic, care, psychosocial, diagnosis, preventive, ambulatory, confidentiality, satisfaction, vulnerable, acute, intensive, emergency, rehabilitation, urgent, primary, equity, physical, intake, admissions, referrals, technology, medication, condition.

Healthy Weight Innovations

Find new approaches to help communities and clinicians prevent overweight and obesity in adults and children.

http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/healthyweight.aspx

This article addresses the following topics: healthy, diet, fitness, exercise, behavior, body, mass, index, physical, activity, food, MOVE!, chronic, SPARK, HEAL, AHRQ, nutrition, HRSA, childcare, habits, preschoolers, fit, pediatric.

Linking Clinical Practices and Community Organizations for Prevention

AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Linking Clinical Practices and Community Organizations for Prevention

Learn how linkages between clinical practices and community organizations improved the delivery of preventive services. This collection covers the following topics: fostering, clinical, prevention, providers, strategy,summit, coalition, diabetes, automated, behaviors, health, incarceration, violence, maternal, depression, disease, child, abuse, infant, crying, nurses, patient, care, conditions, weight, body, masss, index, chronic, asthma, blood, pressure, colorectal, cancer, smoking, community.

Improving Health of Urban, Low-Income Populations

Improving Health of Urban, Low-Income Populations View different community-based approaches to enhance access to care and improve health status of urban, low-income populations.