Knowledge Transfer - Outreach to Health Professional Institutions

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed numerous evidence-based tools and research findings with the goal of improving the quality of health care. AHRQ frequently partners with external organizations to disseminate and implement these products in hospitals and other health care organizations. AHRQ recently issued a master contract to HRET to carry out dissemination projects in conjunction with the AHRQ Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT). Through discrete projects designed by the OCKT, HRET is building awareness and supporting implementation of evidence-based AHRQ tools and research. HRET is also providing feedback to AHRQ on the successes and barriers in implementing these tools and will make recommendations on the kinds of research the field needs to provide high quality care.

One of the first projects under this contract is increasing awareness and implementation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations among health professions students, trainees, and practicing clinicians. The USPSTF is an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness of various services. Specifically, this project is increasing implementation of AHRQ USPSTF information and tools in the clinical setting. Activities to achieve this goal include:

1. Development of formal partnerships with respected, national intermediary groups such as the HRSA-supported Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) to reach large numbers of educators in the health professions and to disseminate and implement AHRQ materials based on the work of the USPSTF.
2. Technical assistance to partners in the development of curricula and course descriptions that are based on the work of the USPSTF. These activities would incorporate AHRQ resources such as the ePSS and Guide to Clinical Preventive Services. These curricula and course descriptions will respond to local needs and circumstances, and will be designed to promote knowledge and competence in evidence-based prevention and in the provision of evidence-based clinical preventive services.
3. Presentation of learning opportunities for educators to share best practices and lessons learned regarding the design and implementation of successful educational and training strategies utilizing materials based on the work of the USPSTF.

To learn more about this project, contact Chris Hund at 312-422-2637 or chund@aha.org.