The United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a government agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that is responsible for conducting research and promoting improvements in the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare services provided in the United States.
The primary mission of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and outcomes of healthcare for the American population. AHRQ achieves this by supporting and conducting research studies, developing evidence-based guidelines, and disseminating information to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public.
As a research-focused agency, AHRQ is committed to generating knowledge about the various aspects of healthcare delivery and outcomes. This includes research on healthcare disparities, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, health information technology, and healthcare organization and delivery systems. The agency collaborates with researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to ensure that research findings are translated into practical applications that inform healthcare decision-making and policy development.
AHRQ also provides funding opportunities to encourage innovative research and supports ongoing projects that aim to improve healthcare services. In addition, the agency plays a vital role in evaluating healthcare interventions, assessing the impact of policy changes, and developing measures and data tools that enable more effective monitoring and reporting of healthcare quality.
In summary, the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is a federal agency dedicated to advancing research and evidence-based practices to enhance healthcare quality, safety, and accessibility in the United States.
