Accelerating Change and Transformation in Organizations and Networks

HRET's ACTION Network is a multi-sectoral research network committed to seeking federal task order contracts through the Accelerating Change and Transformation in Organizations and Networks (ACTION) program of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). ACTION is a three-year program of AHRQ that awards research task order contracts to selected organizations to produce a series of quick turnaround, action-oriented research projects and evidence-based tools that will assist health system leaders in making critical operational decisions and managing organizational change. ACTION convenes research partners from diverse sectors and is unique in its capacity to translate findings of health care management research into operational practice.

HRET is currently conducting three studies through AHRQ’s ACTION initiative.

Multi-Site Evaluation of Rapid HIV Testing in Emergency Departments
This project is evaluating the ability of emergency departments to quickly identify patients with undiagnosed HIV and link them to care. The project is looking at the costs associated with implementing and sustaining ED-based HIV testing programs and the available resources to cover those costs.

Reducing Hospital-Associated Infections
In collaboration with the Michigan Hospital Association and four Michigan hospitals, HRET is evaluating the effectiveness of three evidence-based AHRQ tools to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated blood stream infections, and infections associated with chest tube insertions.

Improving Quality through Health Information Technology
HRET, Northwestern University, and the Alliance of Chicago Community Health Services are assessing how the use of health information technology can improve care delivery and outcomes with a cost analysis in community health centers. The project is looking at improvements in care for patients with HIV and for women being screened for cervical cancer.

If your hospital or health system is interested in participating as a study site on future ACTION projects, please contact Nadine Caputo at (312) 422-2629 or ncaputo@aha.org.