The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a governmental organization within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for conducting and supporting research that aims to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare in the United States.
The AHRQ plays a crucial role in generating evidence-based information and tools to enhance healthcare decisions and practices. It focuses on various aspects of healthcare, including patient outcomes, healthcare delivery systems, medical treatments, healthcare technologies, and healthcare workforce. The agency conducts research on a wide range of topics, such as patient safety, health disparities, healthcare quality improvement, healthcare costs and utilization, and healthcare delivery models.
One of the main goals of the AHRQ is to translate research findings into practical applications that can directly benefit healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients. The agency provides resources, guidelines, and tools to help healthcare providers and organizations implement evidence-based practices and interventions. Furthermore, the AHRQ promotes the use of health information technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Through its research efforts, the AHRQ contributes to the ongoing development and refinement of healthcare policies, by informing decision-making processes at both the local and national levels. Additionally, the agency collaborates with other federal organizations, healthcare providers, academic institutions, and industry partners to foster innovation and improve the quality and safety of healthcare services nationwide.
