AHRQ Health IT Update: Pathways to Quality

AHRQ Health IT Update: Pathways to Quality

AHRQ Health IT Update: Pathways to Quality

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) sent this bulletin at 09/16/2013 02:22 PM EDT

Pathways to Quality through Health IT 

A report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Health IT-Enabled Quality Measurement: Perspectives, Pathways, and Practical Guidance,” outlines experts’ viewpoints on how information technologies are advancing the science of quality measurement. Over the course of the 2-year project, diverse perspectives were identified regarding how to operationalize quality measurement as well how to prioritize iterative advancements in health IT-enabled quality measurement.

Stakeholders agreed on the importance of addressing measure development, implementation, and testing; data elements and data capture; data access, sharing, aggregation, and integration; patient engagement; and collaboration and education. They also agreed that they would like to see quality measurement move beyond “checking the box” to truly support the quality improvement process. They suggested that quality measurement should be actionable and timely to allow patients and providers opportunities to improve care.

The report contains a searchable catalog describing over 150 health-IT enabled quality measurement projects. More than 100 future activities were recommended to provide practical, prospective insight and strengthened quality measurement infrastructure.

Select to access the report: http://healthit.ahrq.gov/ahrq-funded-projects/health-it-enabled-quality-measurement.