The United States Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), now known as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), is a government agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1989, its primary objective is to conduct research and provide evidence-based information to improve the quality, effectiveness, and safety of healthcare practices in the United States.
The AHCPR/AHRQ is responsible for funding and conducting research studies, analyzing data on health services, and disseminating findings to inform healthcare policies and practices. The agency plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and practice by conducting and supporting research that can be applied directly in real-world healthcare settings.
The AHCPR/AHRQ addresses a wide range of healthcare issues, including clinical effectiveness, patient safety, healthcare organization and delivery systems, patient-centered care, health disparities, and healthcare costs. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients, to ensure that its work is relevant, comprehensive, and impactful.
Through its research initiatives and educational programs, the AHCPR/AHRQ aims to promote evidence-based healthcare decision-making, foster improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare quality, eliminate unnecessary healthcare variations, enhance patient safety, and reduce healthcare disparities. Ultimately, the agency's efforts contribute to shaping healthcare policies, guidelines, and practices in the United States to align them with current, evidence-based knowledge.
