THE ROLE OF THE AGENCY FOR HEALTH-CARE POLICY AND RESEARCH IN IMPROVING OUTCOMES OF CARE

This article describes the various outcomes programs supported by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR). The mission of the agency is to generate and disseminate information that improves the d elivery and quality of health care. The agency is charged with helping consumers, providers, purchasers, health plans, and policy makers mee t the challenge of improving the quality: of health care services whil e reducing spending. AHCPR has been recognized as funding the developm ent of ''gold standard'' clinical practice guidelines and the source o f unbiased, science-based information on what works and does not work in health care.