The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), currently known as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), refers to a governmental organization in the United States responsible for conducting and supporting research on healthcare quality, outcomes, and patient safety. It was established in 1989 as an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The primary objective of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research is to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services by generating evidence-based research findings. It aims to provide policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public with information and tools that can be used to make informed decisions regarding healthcare practices, policies, and procedures.
The agency's activities include conducting studies on various healthcare topics such as disease management, healthcare delivery systems, patient safety, outcomes research, and the prevention and management of medical errors. Additionally, it funds and supports research initiatives carried out by external academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and individual researchers.
The information and research findings provided by the AHCPR/AHRQ help guide healthcare decisions and support the implementation of effective healthcare strategies for improving patient outcomes. This agency plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding and improvement of healthcare practices in the United States.
