HRET Receives $1.8 Million Safety, Quality Contract

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has awarded a 20-month, $1.8 million contract to the Health Research & Educational Trust to develop new ways to encourage hospitals to implement AHRQ safety and quality products and tools.

During the 20-month project, HRET will work with American Hospital Association affiliates, state hospital associations, quality improvement organizations, and an advisory panel of experts to provide free assistance to hospitals, health systems, and policy makers. The project begins June 1.

The Institute of Medicine estimates that in 1999 and 2000 as many as 98,000 people died each year in the U.S. as the result of medical errors. AHRQ says it has developed resources and strategies to improve quality and safety, but that broader use is needed to maximize their impact.

Founded in 1944, HRET is a private, not-for-profit organization affiliated with the AHA and involved in research, education, and demonstration programs addressing health management and policy issues.