Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of healthcare, reduce its cost, improve patient safety, decrease medical errors, and broaden access to essential services. AHRQ sponsors and conducts research that provides evidence-based information on healthcare quality, cost, use, and access. The information patients, clinicians, health system leaders, and policymakers to make more informed decisions and improve the quality of healthcare services for everyone. The official mission of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.