How does AHRQs health IT initiative fit into the overall national health IT effort?
The adoption of health IT throughout the nation’s health care system is a high priority for President Bush, who in 2004 signed an executive order establishing an Office for the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at the White House. AHRQ’s initiative embraces and advances the goals and objectives of both Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and National Coordinator for Health Information Technology David J. Brailer, M.D., Ph.D. AHRQ’s initiative provides support for health IT planning and implementation, especially in areas where health IT penetration is low. But beyond this financial support, the unique importance of AHRQ’s initiative is its capacity to systematically observe real-world applications of health IT. AHRQ will evaluate the impact of these applications on providers, patients, and health outcomes – and share the findings of this real-world laboratory, as well as other tools and technical support, through the AHRQ National Resource Center
