Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Activities

Quality Improvement/Evidence of Therapy

This section describes current quality improvement and evidence of therapy programs of the Federal government related to chronic kidney disease.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

AHRQ offers many databases that may be of interest to the kidney community including: the National Healthcare Quality Report, National Healthcare Disparities Report, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.

AHRQ has also established Evidence-Based Practice Centers (EPCs) that produce evidence-based reports and technology assessments on a variety of clinical, behavioral, and organization and financing topics. These evidence reports may be used to inform guidelines, research agendas and quality measures, and serve as the basis for educational materials for patients, providers and policymakers. Additionally, AHRQ leads the Accelerating Change and Transformation in Organizations and Networks (ACTION) program (www.ahrq.gov/research/ACTION.htm).This is a model of field-based research designed to promote innovation in healthcare delivery by accelerating the diffusion of research into practice. One of the current ACTION projects aims to improve adherence to infection control practices in end-stage renal disease facilities to reduce preventable vascular-access infections.

The DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness) Network is a collection of research centers that conduct studies on the outcomes, effectiveness, safety, and usefulness of medical treatments and services. Recent activity includes the recent report "Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Antidiabetic Medication on Chronic Kidney Disease" and formation of the End-Stage Renal Disease Consortium.

AHRQ has awarded grants that focus on chronic kidney disease and dialysis, in areas such as patient safety, disease management and assessment in complex patients.

Contact Information
Cynthia Palmer, MSc
ACTION Program Officer
Phone: 301-427-1441
Email: cynthia.palmer@ahrq.hhs.gov
Web: www.ahrq.gov

Christine Chang, MD, MPH
Evidence-based Practice Center Program
Phone: 301-427-1512
Email: Christine.chang@ahrq.hhs.gov