Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Definition

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a U.S. government agency tasked with improving the safety and quality of America's healthcare system. It develops evidence-based guidelines and fosters research to enhance healthcare outcomes and inform policy decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AHRQ plays a crucial role in patient safety by developing protocols to reduce medical errors.
2. It provides resources and toolkits for healthcare providers to ensure high-quality care.
3. AHRQ's research includes studies on pharmacotherapy, promoting safer medication practices.
4. The agency offers databases like HCUP (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project) that healthcare professionals use for data analysis.
5. AHRQ collaborates with other organizations to integrate informatics solutions into clinical practice.

Review Questions

• What role does AHRQ play in improving patient safety?
• How does AHRQ contribute to the field of pharmacotherapy?
• Name one key database provided by AHRQ used in healthcare data analysis.

Related terms

Patient Safety: The prevention of errors and adverse effects to patients associated with healthcare.

Evidence-Based Practice: Clinical decision-making based on the best available current research evidence.

Informatics: The application of information technology to organize and analyze health records to improve healthcare outcomes.