Press Release Date: June 15, 1997
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research is seeking applications for research and evaluation projects in clinical quality measurement and improvement. This request for applications (RFA)—published in the June 13 NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts (Volume 26, Number 20)—will provide the essential science base for the development of quality tools to measure the effects of rapid changes in the delivery of health services. This RFA builds on AHCPR's long history of supporting innovative projects that have helped to improve the quality of health care services. In 1996, AHCPR funded the Q-Span (Expansion of Quality Measures) project to improve existing quality measures and fill gaps where measures are needed.
"HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala has made a commitment to ensure that the American health care system provides the highest quality health care," said AHCPR Administrator John M. Eisenberg, M.D. "To that end, she has designated AHCPR as the lead agency for a department-wide initiative that has as one of its goals to promote research to improve quality."
AHCPR requests grant applications in three priority areas:
AHCPR is especially interested in projects that will produce results within one to two years, although projects of up to five years' duration will be considered. AHCPR plans to make approximately $2 million available in fiscal year 1998 for the RFA, providing first year support of up to 10 awards of differing amounts. The application receipt date is Sept. 16 and the first possible award date is Jan. 1, 1998.
AHCPR has identified the following priority populations as a special focus for research under this RFA: minority groups; women; children; persons with chronic diseases or disabilities; and the elderly.
For additional information, contact AHCPR Public Affairs: Karen Carp, (301) 427-1858 (KCarp@ahrq.gov); Salina V. Prasad, (301) 427-1864 (SPrasad@ahrq.gov).
Internet Citation:
Quality Measurement and Improvement: AHCPR Call for Applications. Press Release, June 15, 1997. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/rfapr3.htm