2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report

For the 14th year in a row, AHRQ is reporting on health care quality and disparities. The annual National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (QDR) is mandated by Congress to provide a comprehensive overview of the quality of health care received by the general U.S. population and disparities in care experienced by different racial and socioeconomic groups. The report assesses the performance of our health care system and identifies areas of strengths and weaknesses, as well as disparities, for access to health care and quality of health care. Quality is described in terms of the National Quality Strategy priorities, which include patient safety, person-centered care, care coordination, effective treatment, healthy living, and care affordability. The report is based on more than 250 measures of quality and disparities covering a broad array of health care services and settings. Selected findings in each priority area are shown in this report, as are examples of large disparities, disparities worsening over time, and disparities showing improvement. The report is produced with the help of an Interagency Workgroup led by AHRQ.

Acknowledgments
Executive Summary
   Key Findings
   About the National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Overview of Quality and Access in the U.S. Health Care System
   Three Aims for Improving Health Care
   Variation in Health Care Quality and Disparities
Access and Disparities in Access to Health Care
Quality and Disparities in Quality of Health Care
   Trends in Quality
   Trends in Disparities
Looking Forward
References

Appendixes

Appendix A. Selected Measure Data (PDF, 484.4 KB)
Appendix B: Trends in Access, Quality and Disparities for Measures in 2016 Report (PDF, 2.46 MB)
Appendix C: Data Sources Used for 2016 Report (PDF, 147 KB)
Appendix D: Definitions Used in 2016 Report (PDF, 147 KB)
Combined Appendixes (PDF, 2.7 MB)

This document is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without permission. Citation of the source is appreciated. Suggested citation: 2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; July 2017. AHRQ Pub. No. 17-0001.

Page last reviewed August 2017
Page originally created June 2017

Cover of 2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Print version (PDF, 1.31 MB) (A final typeset version of this report will be available by October 2017.

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Internet Citation: 2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report. Content last reviewed August 2017. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/nhqrdr/nhqdr16/index.html