Evidence Report/Technology Assessment

Number 34

Prepared for:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2101 East Jefferson Street
Rockville, MD 20852

http://www.ahrq.gov/

Contract No. 290-97-0014

Prepared by:
Duke Evidence-based Practice Center, Durham, NC
David B. Matchar, MD, Director


Evan R. Myers, MD, MPH
Matthew W. Barber, MD
Grace M. Couchman, MD
Santanu Datta, MBA, MS
Rebecca N. Gray, Dphil
Tara Gustilo-Ashby, MD
Jane T. Kolimaga, MS
Douglas C. McCrory, MD, MHSc

AHRQ Publication No. 01-E052

July 2001

On December 6, 1999, under Public Law 106-129, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) was reauthorized and renamed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The law authorizes AHRQ to continue its research on the cost, quality, and outcomes of health care and expands its role to improve patient safety and address medical errors.

This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis for development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools, or a basis for reimbursement and coverage policies. AHRQ or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorsement of such derivative products may not be stated or implied.