We're Former AHRQ Leaders. Patient Safety Must Never be Partisan.

The safety of healthcare is a critical concern for Americans, beyond just its affordability. Medical errors, which are estimated as the third leading cause of death, are often caused by system failures and poor teamwork rather than intentional misconduct. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a federal agency with bipartisan support, conducts research to enhance patient safety.

Established in 2002, AHRQ's mandate includes studying patient harm, developing tools for hospitals and clinicians, measuring quality, identifying best practices, and translating research into everyday care. However, recent AHRQ grant cancellations jeopardize ongoing research into patient safety issues. As former AHRQ directors serving under multiple administrations, the author emphasizes that preventing patient harm should not be a partisan issue.

Successful examples include significantly reduced hospital-associated infections, improved medication safety, and enhanced teamwork in healthcare settings. Cancellations of AHRQ grants not only disrupt vital research but also hinder advancements in AI and other technologies, ultimately compromising patient outcomes.