March 20 Deadline Set for Comments on AHRQ Quality Indicators

A Request for Information seeks feedback from the public and the health care industry on examining the scientific acceptability and use of the AHRQ Quality Indicators (QIs) for the purpose of quality improvement. AHRQ QIs are standardized, evidence-based measures of health care quality used with hospital inpatient administrative data to measure and track clinical performance and outcomes. AHRQ is conducting a study to document knowledge and evidence about the scientific acceptability of the QIs; compile information on the strengths and limitations of the QIs; identify any areas of disagreement in the evidence; and develop suggestions to refine or improve the QIs. The deadline for comments has been extended to March 20. AHRQ and an expert workgroup will use the feedback to develop recommendations on retaining, retiring or modifying the QIs to maximize their value to the health care industry and policymakers.