New Research Focuses on Data’s Potential To Drive Health System Transformation

An AHRQ-sponsored special issue of eGEMS highlights data insights and capabilities that can help researchers, clinicians, patients and policymakers use data to transform healthcare in an era of rapid change. The 11 articles in this collection explore various phases of effective analytics including data acquisition, ensuring or enhancing data access and usability, data analysis and dissemination. The issue’s theme aligns with AHRQ’s strategic initiative to increase healthcare value while building off the agency’s core competencies in data and analytics. Central to that initiative is establishment of an integrated data, analytics and information platform capable of providing a 360-degree view of the healthcare system. The issue includes an introductory commentary, “Innovative Data Science to Transform Healthcare: All the Pieces Matter,” by Andrew Masica, M.D., M.S.C.I., a member of AHRQ’s National Advisory Council, and José Escarce, M.D., Ph.D., a former council member. The new eGEMS issue, published by AcademyHealth, is open access.