Effective Health Care

AHRQ's DEcIDE Network The Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness (DEcIDE) Network is a component of AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program. DEcIDE Centers are developing new knowledge on a wide variety of clinical and other health care-related topics. The Network comprises research-based health organizations with electronic access to health information databases and the capacity to conduct comparative effectiveness research. More than 25 research reports from the DEcIDE Network are available online. Go to http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ for more information.

Adding the Patient Perspective to Comparative Effectiveness Research. A. Wu, C. Snyder, C. Clancy, et al., Health Affairs, October 2010; 29(10):1863-1871. Describes how questionnaires can be used systematically to capture patients' experiences with care directly from the patients. (AHRQ 11-R022)

Advancing Methods for Comparative Effectiveness Research. S. Smith, Medical Care, June 2010; 48(6 Suppl 1):S1-S2. Editorial discusses AHRQ's role in advancing new scientific approaches for conducting studies on comparative effectiveness and safety and introduces a journal supplement that presents the proceedings of a 2009 AHRQ-supported symposium focused on this topic. (AHRQ 10-R075)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Effective Health Care (EHC) Program Methods Guide for Comparative Effectiveness Reviews: Keeping Up-to-Date in a Rapidly Evolving Field. S. Chang, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, November 2011; 64(11):1166-1167. Introduces five articles in the journal that nearly complete the finalization of version 1.0 of AHRQ’s Methods Guide for conducting comparative effectiveness reviews. (AHRQ 12-R022)

Assessing Applicability When Comparing Medical Interventions: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Effective Health Care Program. D. Atkins, S. Chang, G. Gartlehner, et al., Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, April 2011; e-pub. Describes a systematic approach for identifying, reporting, and synthesizing information to allow consistent and transparent consideration of the applicability of the evidence in a systematic review. (AHRQ 11-R052)

CER: Tools—Not Rules, and Its Effects Can Be Transformational. C. Clancy, Medscape, August 2010; e-pub. Commentary discusses comparative effectiveness research and its role in helping clinicians deliver safe, effective health care. (AHRQ 11-R010)

Charting a Path from Comparative Effectiveness Funding to Improved Patient-Centered Health Care. P. Conway, C. Clancy, Journal of the American Medical Association, March 2010, 303(10):985-986. Editorial comments on a study that presents publication criteria for comparative effectiveness studies and discusses next steps for disseminating and translating comparative effectiveness research into practice. (AHRQ 10-R048)

Comparative Effectiveness Research and Genomic Medicine: An Evolving Partnership for 21st Century Medicine. J. Khoury, E. Rich, G. Randhawa, et al., Genetics in Medicine, October 2009; 11(10):707-711. Commentary argues the position that comparative effectiveness and genomic medicine can and should coexist and will increasingly benefit from each other to enhance knowledge-based medical practice. (AHRQ 10-R033)

Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities at Federal Agencies: The View from the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute on Aging, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. T. O'Leary, J. Slutsky, M. Bernard, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, June 2010; 58(6):1187-1192. Briefly describes the research mission of AHRQ, NIA, and VA, discusses various definitions of comparative effectiveness research, and sets forth approaches in which the three agencies support comparative effectiveness research involving the aging population, as well as opportunities for future research in this area. (AHRQ 10-R078)

Comparative Effectiveness Research: Promising Area of Study for Pharmacists. C. Clancy, Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association, March-April 2010; 50(2):131-133. Defines comparative effectiveness research and discusses AHRQ's research in this area, including several studies that are directly relevant to pharmacists. (AHRQ 10-R065)

Conducting Quantitative Synthesis When Comparing Medical Interventions: AHRQ and the Effective Health Care Program. R. Fu, G. Gartlehner, M. Grant, et al., Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, November 2011; 64(11):1187-1197. Establishes recommendations for conducting quantitative synthesis or meta-analysis, using study-level data in comparative effectiveness reviews. (AHRQ 12-R024)

Focusing the Research Enterprise on the Patient. C. Clancy, NCI Cancer Bulletin, April 2010; 7(8):e-pub. Commentary discusses the potential of comparative effectiveness research to enhance patient-centered care and contribute to the evidence base on diagnosing and treating cancer. (AHRQ 10-R066)

Guiding Comparative Effectiveness Research—A U.S. Perspective. H. Birnbaum, J. Slutsky, Pharmacoeconomics, October 2010; 28(10):839-842. Article in interview format focuses on the challenges and opportunities of implementing comparative effectiveness research from the perspective of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote and facilitate evidence-based clinical practices and health care decisionmaking. (AHRQ 11-R025)

Making the Right Thing the Easy Thing to Do. C. Clancy, AARC Times, February 2011; 35(2):36-42. Discusses the role that respiratory therapists can play in helping to transform the health care system to meet the needs of the 21st century. (AHRQ 12-R041)

Observational Studies in Systemic Reviews of Comparative Effectiveness: AHRQ and the Effective Health Care Program. S. Norris, D. Atkins, W. Bruening, et al., Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, November 2011; 64(11):1178-1186. Presents a framework for decisionmaking on the inclusion of observational studies to assess benefits and intended effects in comparative effectiveness reviews. (AHRQ 12-R023)

Patient-Centered Comparative Effectiveness Research: Essential for High-Quality Care. J. Slutsky, C. Clancy, Archives of Internal Medicine, March 2010, 170(5):403-404. Commentary reviews recent developments in comparative effectiveness research and their implications for clinicians and patients. (AHRQ 10-R049)

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and Nurse Practitioners’ Role in Shared Decision Making. C. Clancy, Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, January 2012; 24(1):59-61. Provides a brief overview of AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program and the role it plays in patient-centered care and shared decisionmaking. (AHRQ 12-R034)

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute: The Intersection of Science and Health Care. C. Clancy, F. Collins, Science of Translational Medicine, June 2010; 2(37):1-3. Provides an overview of the role and functions of the newly established Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute as seen by the directors of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Institutes of Health. (AHRQ 12-R045)

The Promise and Future of Comparative Effectiveness Research. C. Clancy, Journal of Nursing Care Quality, January-March 2010, 25(1):1-4. Commentary by AHRQ director discusses the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on the future and direction of comparative effectiveness research. (AHRQ 10-R040)

Registries for Evaluating Patient Outcomes: A User's Guide, Second Edition. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2010, 275 pp. Provides a reference tool for establishing, maintaining, and evaluating the success of registries. Expands the 2007 edition with new chapters discussing emerging issues and 38 case examples. (AHRQ 10-EHC049)

Starting the Conversation. W. Lawrence, Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, August 2011; 20(8):807-809. Introduces a report on a multidisciplinary panel that addressed the needs for training researchers and policymakers in the fundamentals of comparative effectiveness research for pharmaceuticals. (AHRQ 11-R072)

Welcome to the Effective Health Care Program. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2010; 8 pp. Describes AHRQ's Effective Health Care (EHC) program and the EHC publications available in print and online for clinicians, patients, policymakers, and researchers. (AHRQ 10-EHC064)

Guides for Clinicians

ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults with Hypertension: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2011, 2 pp. Summarizes the results of a systematic review of available evidence on the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and a direct renin inhibitor (DRI) for adults with hypertension. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC063-3)

Adding ACEIs and/or ARBs to Standard Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Benefits and Harms, Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, August 2010, 2 pp. Discusses whether standard medical therapy in patients with stable ischemic heart disease should be augmented with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker. (AHRQ 10-EHC002-3)

Adjunctive Devices in PCI to Remove Thrombi or Protect Against Distal Embolization in Patients with ACS: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2012, 4 pp. Provides information to assist in clinical decisionmaking for patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC089-3)

Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: Focus of Research for Clinicians. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, January 2012, 3 pp. Updates information from a 2006 report on the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of analgesics and the supplements gluocosamine and chondroitin used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC076-3)

Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Tests for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Complaints in Children: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2012, 2 pp. Presents a review of the test performances of antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, and cyclic-citrullinated peptide for pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis among children 18 years of age and younger with undiagnosed musculoskeletal pain. (AHRQ 12-EHC015-3)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2012, 4 pp. Describes the potential benefits and adverse effects of the various treatments for ADHD in preschoolers and children age 6 and older. (AHRQ 12-EHC003-3)

Choosing Medications for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2008; 4 pp. Summarizes evidence comparing the effectiveness and safety of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and corticosteroids used for rheumatoid arthritis. (AHRQ 08-EHC004-3)

Clostridium difficile Infections: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, December 2011, 2 pp. Discusses findings from a review of available evidence on the comparative effectiveness of diagnostic tests, treatments, and prevention strategies for Clostridium difficile (C-diff) infections in adults.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2010, 2 pp. Examines the comparative effectiveness and safety of external beam radiation therapies for head and neck cancer. (AHRQ 10-(11)-EHC014-3)

Comparative Effectiveness of Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2011, 4 pp. Examines the comparative effectiveness of approaches for screening, diagnosing, and treating obstructive sleep apnea. (AHRQ 11-EHC052-3)

Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions for Rotator Cuff Tears in Adults: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2010, 2 pp. Summarizes an analysis of the current evidence on nonoperative and operative approaches for treating degenerative or traumatic rotator cuff tears. (AHRQ 10-(11)-EHC050-3)

Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2011, 2 pp. Discusses the available evidence on the effectiveness, benefits, and harms of therapies used to address the core and associated symptoms seen among children aged 2-12 years with autism spectrum disorders. (AHRQ 11-EHC029-3)

Comparing Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2011, 8 pp. Summarizes available evidence on the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of available monotherapy and two-drug combinations of medications for adults with type 2 diabetes. Updates a 2007 review with information on newer medications and two-drug combinations. (AHRQ 11-EHC038-3)

Core-Needle Biopsy for Breast Abnormalities: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2010, 4 pp. Compares core-needle biopsy with open surgical biopsy for diagnosing breast lesions and summarizes the accuracy and possible harms of various core-needle biopsy methods. (AHRQ 10-EHC007-3)

Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2011, 2 pp. Discusses the relationship among traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and other psychological conditions and summarizes the evidence that can be used to guide screening and treatment for TBI-related depression and concomitant psychiatric conditions. (AHRQ 11-EHC017-3)

Effectiveness of Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in Adults with Hypertension: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, February 2012, 2 pp. Reviews the role of self-measured blood pressure monitoring with or without additional support (e.g., telemonitoring, counseling, home visits, etc.) in the management of hypertension. (AHRQ 12-EHC002-3)

Effectiveness of Treatments for Noncyclic Chronic Pelvic Pain in Adult Women: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2012, 3 pp. Summarizes the evidence regarding current therapies for chronic pelvic pain in adult women, with a focus on noncyclic and mixed cyclic/noncyclic chronic pelvic pain. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC088-3)

Elective Induction of Labor: Safety and Harms: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, November 2009; 4 pp. Summarizes clinical evidence comparing the safety of elective induction of labor with expectant management of term pregnancy and provides information about maternal and fetal outcomes when elective induction of labor is used. (AHRQ 10-EHC004-3)

First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Children: Comparative Effectiveness; Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2012, 4 pp. Examines what is known about the use of antipsychotics to treat psychiatric disorders of children and young adults 1 to 24 years of age, for both approved and “off-label” indications, including the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of these drugs in pediatric populations. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC077-3)

Gestational Diabetes: Caring for Women During and After Pregnancy: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, August 2009; 2 pp. Summarizes clinical evidence about prenatal care and delivery management for women with gestational diabetes. (AHRQ 09-EHC014-3)

Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness; Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2012, 4 pp. Reviews the evidence on the benefits and harms of currently used modes of intensive insulin therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs. multiple daily injections) and the modes of blood glucose monitoring (real time-continuous glucose monitoring vs. self-monitoring). (AHRQ 12-EHC036-3)

Management of Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2007, 2-sided sheet. Summarizes clinical evidence from 56 studies on the effectiveness and safety of angioplasty and medical therapy for treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. (AHRQ 07-EHC004-3)

Managing Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2011, 2 pp. Updates a 2005 report with more recent evidence on the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of treatments for gastroesophageal disease (GERD), including information on factors that may influence or predict treatment effectiveness. (AHRQ 11-EHC049-3)

Medications to Reduce the Risk of Primary Breast Cancer in Women: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, January 2010, 4 pp. Summarizes the effectiveness and safety of two medications—tamoxifen and raloxifene—used to reduce the risk of primary breast cancer. (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC028-3)

Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults: Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2012, 4 pp. Summarizes evidence on the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of nonpharmacologic interventions for treatment-resistant depression in Adults. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC056-3)

Nonsurgical Treatments for Urinary Incontinence in Adult Women: Diagnosis and Comparative Effectiveness; Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2012, 3 pp. Summarizes evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of urinary incontinence interventions for women and the utility of methods for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC074-3)

Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update; Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2012, 4 pp. Examines trends in use and describes what is known about the efficacy, comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics for off-label indications in adults. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC087-3)

Pain Management Interventions for Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2011, 2 pp. Summarizes available evidence on pain management interventions used during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods of treatment for patients aged 50 and older with hip fractures. (AHRQ 11-EHC022-3)

Premixed Insulin Analogues: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2009; 4 pp. Summarizes clinical evidence comparing the effectiveness and safety of premixed analogues with other insulin preparations and oral diabetes drugs. (AHRQ 09-EHC017-3)

Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, November 2009; 3 pp. Summarizes the clinical evidence on the effectiveness and safety of catheter-based radiofrequency ablation compared with anti-arrhythmic drugs for treatment of atrial fibrillation. (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC015-3).

Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression: An Update; Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2012, 4 pp. Updates a 2007 report with more recent evidence on the comparative effectiveness, benefits, and adverse effects of second-generation antidepressants for adults with depression.(AHRQ 12-EHC012-A)

Three Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Evidence Shows Lack of Benefit, Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2009; 4 pp. Summarizes evidence on the effectiveness and safety of three treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee: use of glucosamine, chondroitin, or a combination of the two; viscosupplementation; and arthroscopic lavage and debridement of the knee joint. (AHRQ 09-EHC001-3)

Treating Cholesterol with Combination Therapy: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, November 2009; 2 pp. Summarizes clinical evidence on using combinations of lipid-lowering medications for the treatment of high cholesterol. (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC024-3)

Treatment to Prevent Osteoporotic Fractures: An Update; Clinician Research Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2012, 7 pp. Summarizes evidence from 567 new studies to update the 2007 report on the same topic. Examines the comparative effectiveness and safety of treatments to prevent fractures in people with low bone density, including osteoporosis. (AHRQ 12-EHC023-3)

Treatments for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2008, 4 pp. Summarizes clinical evidence comparing the effectiveness and safety of treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer, including expectant management and three active treatments (radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy). (AHRQ 08-EHC010-3)

Use of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone for Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2011, 2 pp. Examines the benefits and harms of using recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to improve pulmonary and overall health outcomes for children and teens with cystic fibrosis. (AHRQ 11-EHC003-3)

Utilization and Clinical Data on In-Hospital Off-Label Uses of Recombinant Factor VIIa: Clinician Guide. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2010, 2 pp. Summarizes available information on the off-label use of recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) in the hospital setting. (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC030-3)

Guides for Patients

ACE Inhibitors and ARBs to Protect Your Heart? A Guide for Patients Being Treated for Stable Coronary Heart Disease. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2010, 12 pp. Provides information on the efficacy and safety of using ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or their combination vs. standard medical therapy. (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC002-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC002-B)

Antipsychotic Medicines for Children: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2012, 10 pp. discusses the use of antipsychotic medicines to treat psychiatric conditions in children, including benefits and possible side-effects. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC049-A)

Choosing Medicines for High Blood Pressure: A Review of the Research on ACEIs, ARBs, and DRIs. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2011, 14 pp. Describes research findings on three types of medicine for high blood pressure, including how well they work, how they compare to each other, and their side effects. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC063-A) Spanish language booklet (11(12)-EHC063-B)

Depression After Brain Injury: A Guide for Patients and Their Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2011, 10 pp. Describes the symptoms associated with depression following a traumatic brain injury and the use of counseling and antidepressants to treat the depression. (AHRQ 11-EHC017-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11-EHC017-B)

DMARDs for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2011, 10 pp. Describes the research about the effectiveness and safety of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including information on side effects and cost. (AHRQ 11-0039-A)

Gestational Diabetes: A Guide for Pregnant Women. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, August 2009; 13 pp. Provides information on gestational diabetes, including treatment and followup care, to help pregnant women who have the condition talk with their doctors or midwives about their care. (AHRQ 09-EHC104-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC014-B)

Having a Breast Biopsy: A Guide for Women and Their Families. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2010, 9 pp. Booklet provides information to help women talk with their doctors or nurses about breast biopsy, explains the different kinds of biopsies, and describes what a woman should expect if she has a breast biopsy. (AHRQ 10-EHC007-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 10-EHC007-B)

Human Growth Hormone for Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2011, 5 pp. Describes the potential benefits and risks of using human growth hormone for children with cystic fibrosis. (AHRQ 11-EHC003-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11-EHC003-B)

Managing Osteoarthritis Pain with Medicines: A Review of the Research for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, January 2012, 9 pp. Describes how to manage osteoarthritis pain by using analgesics and discusses the research about different types of analgesics. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC076-A)

Managing Pain from a Broken Hip: A Guide for Adults and Their Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2011, 10 pp. Summarizes the risks and benefits of various treatments—including medications, nerve blocks, traction, acupressure, and other therapies—used to manage pain associated with a broken hip in older adults. (AHRQ 11-EHC022-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11-EHC022-B)

Measuring Your Blood Pressure at Home: A Review of the Research for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, February 2012, 9 pp. Summary provides information for consumers on at-home blood pressure monitoring and describes research findings about blood pressure monitors. Includes suggested questions for patients to discuss with their clinicians. (AHRQ 12-EHC002-A)

Medicines for Treating Depression: A Review of the Research for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2012, 14 pp. Explains what the scientific evidence says about the various medications used to treat depression in adults, including the potential benefits, side effects, and risks associated with each medicine. (AHRQ 12-EHC012-A)

Medicines for Treating Mental Health Conditions: A Review of the Research for Adults and Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2012, 14 pp. Explains what the research says on how well some antipsychotic medicines work for conditions other than psychosis or bipolar disorder, including information on the risks and/or side effects of the medicines. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC087-A)

Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Research for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2011, 14 pp. Reviews research on the benefits and possible side effects of medicines to lower or control blood sugar and provides suggestions for talking with health care providers about medication choices. (AHRQ 11-EHC038-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC038-B)

Methods for Delivering Insulin and Monitoring Glucose: A Review of the Research for Children, Teens, and Adults with Diabetes. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2012, 14 pp. Explains what the research says about ways to monitor blood sugar levels and take insulin for people with type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. (AHRQ 12-EHC036-A)

Nonsurgical Treatments for Urinary Incontinence: A Review of the Research for Women. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2012, 18 pp. Explains what is known about the possible benefits and side effects of treatments for urinary incontinence that do not involve surgery. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC074-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC074-B)

Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Guide for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2009; 4 pp. Summarizes the various treatments to help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee and discusses research on treatments that usually are not helpful for this condition. (AHRQ 09-EHC001-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC001-B)

Premixed Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes: A Guide for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2009; 13 pp. Describes the different kinds of insulin used for type 2 diabetes and the various ways to take insulin, including premixed insulin, and suggests some questions to ask the doctor about which kind of insulin to use. (AHRQ 08(09)-EHC017-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 08(10)-EHC017-B)

Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Guide for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, November 2009; 9 pp. Booklet describes a procedure called radiofrequency ablation that can restore normal heart rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation. (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC015-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC015-B) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC015-B)

Reducing the Risk of Bone Fracture: A Review of the Research for Adults with Low Bone Density. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2012, 17 pp. Explains how low bone density can increase the risk for breaking a bone and what research has found about different treatments to lower the risk. (AHRQ 12-EHC023-A)

Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer with Medicine: A Guide for Women. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, January 2010, 12 pp. Booklet discusses two medicines—raloxifene and tamoxifen—used to reduce the risk of breast cancer for women who have never had breast cancer, including how they work, possible benefits, and potential problems. (AHRQ 10-EHC028-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC028-B)

Renal Artery Stenosis Treatments: A Guide for Consumers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2007, 8 pp. Provides information to assist patients in talking with their clinicians about treatments for renal artery stenosis and discusses problems that may be caused by the condition. (AHRQ 07-EHC004-2A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 07(09)-EHC004-B)

Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2011, 14 pp. Describes research about the possible benefits and negative side effects of therapies for children aged 2 to 12 who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. (AHRQ 11-EHC029-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC029-B)

Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review of the Research. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, March 2012, 14 pp. Describes treatment-resistant depression and discusses what the most recent research says about the treatments available when medicines do not help. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC056-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC056-B)

Thinking About Having Your Labor Induced? A Guide for Pregnant Women. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, December 2009; 9 pp. Booklet describes what's involved in elective induction of labor, including possible problems, and discusses what is not yet known about the procedure. (AHRQ 10-EHC004-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 10-EHC004-B) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 10-EHC004-B)

Treating and Preventing C-diff Infections: A Review of the Research for Adults and Their Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, December 2011, 10 pp. Provides information on symptoms and treatment of infections involving Clostridium difficile (C-diff), which causes persistent gastrointestinal upset. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC051-A) Spanish language booklet (11(12)-EHC051-B)

Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Review of the Research for Women. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, April 2012, 8 pp. Describes chronic pelvic pain and explains what the research says about therapies for women who have this condition. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC088-A)

Treating High Cholesterol: A Guide for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, November 2009; 12 pp. Presents information to help patients talk with their doctor or nurse about medicines to treat high cholesterol, including the different types of cholesterol medicines, how they work, and their side effects. (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC024-A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 09(10)-EHC024-B)

Treating Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Men with Localized Prostate Cancer. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2008; 6 pp. Presents information to help men with localized prostate cancer work with their doctors to choose among four common prostate cancer treatments-watchful waiting, prostate surgery, radiation, and hormone treatment-and provides information about the side effects associated with each treatment. (AHRQ 08-EHC010-2A). Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 08(09)-EHC010-B)

Treating Sleep Apnea: A Review of the Research for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2011, 10 pp. Discusses diagnosis and treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea. (AHRQ 11-EHC052-A)

Treatment Options for ADHD in Children and Teens: A Review of Research for Parents and Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, June 2012, 20 pp. Discusses the different types of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), how each type of treatment can improve symptoms, and the risks and side effects of the treatments. (AHRQ 12-EHC003-A) Spanish-language booklet (AHRQ 12-EHC003-B)

Treatment Options for GERD or Acid Reflux Disease: A Review of the Research for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2011, 14 pp. Describes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and explains research findings about types of treatment, including the benefits and risks of each treatment. (AHRQ 11-EHC049-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC049-B)

Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Guide for Adults. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2010, 12 pp. Booklet presents information to help patients and their doctors choose among the available treatments for rotator cuff tears. (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC050-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC050-B)

Understanding Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Guide for Adults and Their Caregivers. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, October 2010, 12 pp. Provides information on the different types of radiotherapy used to treat head and neck cancer. (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC014-A) Spanish language booklet (AHRQ 10(11)-EHC014-B)

Guides for Policymakers

Adding ACEIs and/or ARBs to Standard Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Benefits and Harms, Policymaker Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, August 2010, 2 pp. Explores the benefits and harms of augmenting standard therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker for patients with stable ischemic heart disease. (AHRQ 10-EHC002-2)

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer: Policymaker Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, September 2010, 2 pp. Discusses whether external beam radiation therapies for head and neck cancer justify wider availability and provision of infrastructure. (AHRQ 10-EHC014-2)

Depression Following a Traumatic Brain Injury: Policy Brief. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, November 2011, 1 p. Synthesizes evidence from 115 studies on what is known and not known about diagnosing and treating depression following a traumatic brain injury. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC017-2)

Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears: Policymaker Summary. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, August 2010, 2 pp. Examines the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical treatment for rotator cuff tears. (AHRQ 10-EHC050-2)

Comparative Effectiveness Reviews

Comparative Effectiveness Reviews These final reports are systematic appraisals of existing scientific evidence regarding treatments for high-priority health conditions. They identify gaps in existing scientific evidence and support new research. The full reports and summaries are available at http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/reports/final.cfm.

Brain and Nerve Conditions

Effectiveness and Safety of Antiepileptic Medications in Patients with Epilepsy. Executive Summary No. 40. December 2011; 22 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC082-1

Breathing Conditions

Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults. Executive Summary No. 32. July 2011; 23 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC052-1)

Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) for Acute Respiratory Failure. Executive Summary No. 68. July 2012; 24 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC089-1)

Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) in the Treatment of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Executive Summary No. 23. October 2010; 16 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC003-1)

Cancer

Core-Needle and Open Surgical Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Breast Lesions. Executive Summary No. 19. December 2009; 19 pp. (AHRQ 10-EHC007-1)

Epoetin and Darbepoetin for Managing Anemia in Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment. Executive Summary No. 3. May 2006; 6 pp. (AHRQ 06-EHC008-1)

Fecal DNA Testing in Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Average-Risk Adults. Executive Summary No. 52. February 2012; 16 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC022-1)

Medications to Reduce Risk of Primary Breast Cancer in Women. Executive Summary No. 17. September 2009; 8 pp. (AHRQ 09-EHC028-1)

Noninvasive Diagnostic Tests for Breast Abnormalities: Update of a 2006 Review. Executive Summary No. 47. February 2012; 12 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC014-1)

Noninvasive Tests for Breast Abnormalities. Executive Summary No. 2. February 2006; 4 pp. (AHRQ 06-EHC005-1)

Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer. Executive Summary No. 20. May 2010; 8 pp. (AHRQ 10-EHC014-1)

Therapies for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer. Executive Summary No. 13. February 2008; 20 pp. (AHRQ 08-EHC010-1)

Cardiovascular Disease

Adjunctive Devices for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Executive Summary No. 42. December 2011; 23 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC089-1)

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Added to Standard Medical Therapy for Treating Stable Ischemic Heart Disease. Executive Summary No. 18. October 2009; 24 pp. (AHRQ 10-EHC002-1)

Dietary Supplements in Adults Taking Cardiovascular Drugs. Executive Summary No. 51. April 2012; 27 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC021-1)

In-Hospital Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa for Off-Label Indications vs. Usual Care. Executive Summary No. 21. May 2010; 16 pp. (AHRQ 10-EHC030-1)

Lipid-Modifying Agents. Executive Summary No. 16. September 2009; 12 pp. (AHRQ 09-EHC024-1)

Management Strategies for Renal Artery Stenosis. Executive Summary No. 5. October 2006; 12 pp. (AHRQ 06-EHC004-1)

Management Strategies for Renal Artery Stenosis: 2007 Update. Executive Summary No. 5 Update. November 2007; 4 pp. (AHRQ 07(08)-EHC004-1U)

Noninvasive Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in Women. Executive Summary No. 58. June 2012; 20 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC034-1)

Percutaneous Coronary Interventions and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Coronary Heart Disease. Executive Summary No. 9. October 2007; 16 pp. (AHRQ 08-EHC002-1)

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Executive Summary No. 15. July 2009; 8 pp. (AHRQ 09-EHC015-1)

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery. Executive Summary No. 49. March 2012; 21 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC020-1)

Chronic Conditions

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (ARBs) for Treating Essential Hypertension. Executive Summary No. 10. November 2007; 5 pp. (AHRQ 08-EHC003-1)

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (ARBs), and Direct Renin Inhibitors for Treating Essential Hypertension: An Update. Executive Summary No. 34. June 2011; 8 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC063-1)

Insulin Analogues in Premixed Formulations for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Executive Summary No. 14. September 2008; 13 pp. (AHRQ 08-EHC017-1)

Management Strategies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Executive Summary No. 1. December 2005; 6 pp. (AHRQ 06-EHC003-1)

Management Strategies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Update. Executive Summary No. 29. September 2011; 18 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC049-1)

Methods for Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring. Executive Summary No. 57. July 2012; 28 pp. AHRQ 12-EHC036-1)

Oral Diabetes Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Executive Summary No. 8. July 2007; 16 pp. (AHRQ 07-EHC010-1)

Oral Diabetes Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: An Update. Executive Summary No. 27. March 2011; 16 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC038-1)

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: Comparative Effectiveness. Executive Summary No. 45. January 2012; 20 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC002-1)

Developmental Delays

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Effectiveness of Treatment in At-Risk Preschoolers; Long-Term Effectiveness in All Ages; and Variability in Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Executive Summary No. 44. October 2011; 23 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC003-1)

Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Executive Summary No. 65. August 2012; 20 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC063-1)

Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Executive Summary No. 26. April 2011; 20 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC029-1)

Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions

Screening and Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism. Executive Summary No. 24. October 2011; 11 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC033-1)

Genitourinary Conditions

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3: Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment. Executive Summary No. 37. January 2012; 20 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC075-1

Nonsurgical Treatments for Urinary Incontinence in Adult Women: Diagnosis and Comparative Effectiveness. Executive Summary No. 36. April 2012; 22 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC074-1)

Recurrent Nephrolithiasis in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness of Preventive Medical Strategies. Executive Summary No. 61. July 2012; 20 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC049-1)

Gynecology

Noncyclic Chronic Pelvic Pain Therapies for Women: Comparative Effectiveness. Executive Summary No. 41. January 2012; 12 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC088-1)

Infectious Diseases

Effectiveness of Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection. Executive Summary No. 31. December 2011; 18 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC051-1)

Mental Health

First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Children and Young Adults. Executive Summary No. 39. February 2012; 12 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC077-1)

First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults. Executive Summary No. 63. August 2012; 16 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC054-1)

Multidisciplinary Postacute Rehabilitation for Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults. Executive Summary No. 72. June 2012; 16 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC101-1)

Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults. Executive Summary No. 33. September 2011; 16 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC056-1)

Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics. Executive Summary No. 6. January 2007; 8 pp. (AHRQ 07-EHC003-1)

Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update. Executive Summary No. 43. September 2011; 18 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC087-1)

Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse. Executive Summary No. 64. July 2012; 21 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC055-1)

Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression. Executive Summary No. 7. January 2007; 16 pp. (AHRQ 07-EHC007-1)

Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression: An Update of the 2007 Comparative Effectiveness Review. Executive Summary No. 46. December 2011; 21 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC012-1)

Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression. Executive Summary No. 25. April 2011; 13 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC017-1)

Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs. Executive Summary No. 62. April 2012; 14 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC050-1)

Muscle, Bone, and Joint Conditions

Analgesics for Osteoarthritis. Executive Summary No. 4. September 2006; 12 pp. (AHRQ 06-EHC009-1)

Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: An Update of the 2006 Comparative Effectiveness Review. Executive Summary No. 38. October 2011; 19 pp. (AHRQ 11(12)-EHC076-1)

Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Tests for Evaluating Musculoskeletal Complaints in Children. Executive Summary No. 50. March 2012; 8 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC015-1)

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Executive Summary No. 28. September 2011; 10 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC039-1)

Drug Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis in Adults: Update of a 2007 Report. Executive Summary No. 54. April 2012; 8 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC024-1)

Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis in Adults. Executive Summary No. 11. November 2007; 11 pp. (AHRQ 08-EHC004-1)

Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults: An Update. Executive Summary No. 55. April 2012; 10 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC025-1)

Nonoperative and Operative Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears. Executive Summary No. 22. July 2010; 8 pp. (AHRQ 10-EHC050-1)

Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture. Executive Summary No. 30. May 2011; 16 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC022-1)

Treatment to Prevent Fractures in Men and Women with Low Bone Density or Osteoporosis: Update of a 2007 Report. Executive Summary No. 53. March 2012; 22 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC023-1)

Ophthalmologic Conditions

Screening for Glaucoma: Comparative Effectiveness. Executive Summary No. 59. April 2012; 20 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC037-1)

Treatment for Glaucoma: Comparative Effectiveness. Executive Summary No. 60. April 2012; 19 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC038-1)

Pediatrics

Adjuvant Treatment for Phenylketonuria (PKU). Executive Summary No. 56. February 2012; 16 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC035-1)

Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation in the Pediatric Population. Executive Summary No. 48. February 2012; 16 pp. (AHRQ 12-EHC018-1)

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Terbutaline Pump for the Prevention of Preterm Birth. Executive Summary No. 35. September 2011; 18 pp. (AHRQ 11-EHC068-1)

Technical Briefs

A number of technical briefs from AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program are available online. They summarize key issues related to emerging medical interventions or health care services for which published data are limited. Go to www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/reports/final.cfm and select “Technical Briefs” to access the complete list of titles.

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