Evidence-Based Decisionmaking

Clinical decision support provides timely information, usually at the point of care, to help inform decisions about a patient's care. Clinical decision support can effectively improve patient outcomes and lead to higher-quality health care.

As part of its ongoing effort to improve care for patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) through evidence-based research, AHRQ has funded the AHRQ MCC Research Network. The Network aligns with a Department of Health and Human Services' effort to address MCC issues.

AHRQ has funded three Research Centers for Excellence in Clinical Preventive Services focusing on the delivery of preventive services in the clinical setting. Each center is conducting three research projects seeking solutions to the problems of underuse, overuse, and disparities in use of preventive services.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent, volunteer group of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that makes recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screening tests, counseling services, and preventive medications. AHRQ is authorized by Congress to provide scientific, technical, administrative, and dissemination support to the USPSTF.