What is the function of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) plays a crucial role in the healthcare sector by focusing on enhancing the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare for all Americans. Its primary mission is to improve healthcare outcomes by conducting research and gathering data that can inform policies and practices. Through various initiatives, AHRQ aims to identify what works best in healthcare, helping to minimize errors and improve patient care across different settings.

By providing evidence-based information and tools, the agency serves as a vital resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients, facilitating decisions that lead to better health outcomes. This focus on quality and safety is what distinguishes AHRQ's functions from those of other organizations, which may be more focused on regulation, education, or research activities.