Ahrq Annual Highlights, 2010

In fiscal year 2010 (FY10), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was able to increase key investments to help improve the safety and quality of health care, ensure access to care, increase the value of health care, reduce disparities, and increase the use of health information technology. In addition, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act), signed by the President into law on March 23, 2010, brought new and exciting opportunities to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care services. As 1 of 12 agencies within HHS, the mission of AHRQ is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. The Agency fulfills this mission by working with information that: Reduces the risk of harm from health care services by using evidence-based research and technology to promote the delivery of the best possible care; Transforms the practice of health care to achieve wider access to effective services and reduce unnecessary health care costs; Improves health care outcomes by encouraging providers, consumers, and patients to use evidence-based information to make informed treatment decisions. Ultimately, the Agency achieves its goals by translating research into improved health care practice and policy. Health care providers, patients, policymakers, payers, administrators, and others use AHRQ research findings to improve health care quality, accessibility, and outcomes of care. Disseminating AHRQ's research findings helps support a Nation of healthier, more productive people and results in an enhanced return on the Nation's substantial investment in health care. This report presents key accomplishments, initiatives, and research findings from AHRQ's research Portfolios during FY10. The Agency's mission helps HHS achieve its strategic goals to transform health care, implement the Recovery Act, promote early childhood health and development, help Americans achieve and maintain healthy weight, prevent and reduce tobacco use, protect the health and safety of Americans in public health emergencies, accelerate the process of scientific discovery to improve patient care, and ensure program integrity and responsible stewardship. The Agency has a broad research portfolio that touches on nearly every aspect of health care including: Clinical practice; Outcomes and effectiveness of care; Evidence-based practice; Primary care and care for priority populations; Health care quality; Patient safety/medical errors; Organization and delivery of care and use of health care resources; Health care costs and financing; Health information technology; Knowledge transfer.