AHRQ To Support Health Information Technology Projects To Improve Patient Safety and Quality Of Care

As part of a larger initiative to support investments in information technology in the nation's health care delivery system, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recently announced that it is seeking applications for approximately 100 grants to plan, implement, and demonstrate the value of health information technology to improve patient safety and quality of care. These grants will be part of a $50 million portfolio of grants, contracts, and other activities to demonstrate the role of health information technology to improve patient safety and the quality of care.

"These grants will give health care providers the resources they need to implement real-world health care information technology solutions to improve the quality and safety of health care," said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. "This is an important addition to AHRQ's existing $165 million investment in patient safety. I am particularly pleased that a large proportion of these grants will be used to fund projects in rural and small communities throughout America, where the opportunity is so great."

The $41 million grant program, "Transforming Healthcare Through Information Technology," includes grants for planning and implementation of health information technology in communities as well as grants to examine its value. The awards, supporting over 100 new research and demonstration projects, will comprise the core of AHRQ's Health Information Technology portfolio. Applications will be accepted from public and private non-profit organizations, including universities, clinics, and hospitals; for-profit organizations (for implementation grants only); faith-based organizations; and State and local government agencies throughout the United States.

The Agency expects to award up to $24 million to fund as many as 48 new implementation grants under the first Request for Applications, with up to $14 million going to small and rural hospitals and communities. The RFA emphasizes the importance of community partnerships. AHRQ will provide up to 50 percent of the total costs in matching funds, not to exceed $500,000 per year, for each project. Letters of intent are due February 22, 2004, and applications are due April 22, 2004. For further information, go to the NIH Guide at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-04-011.html.

As much as $7 million is expected to be awarded under the second RFA to fund up to 35 new planning grants to provide communities and organizations with the resources needed to develop their health information technology infrastructure and compete for future implementation grants. At least $5 million is expected to be used to support applicants from rural and small communities. Projects can last up to 1 year, and applicants may request budgets of up to $200,000 in total costs. Letters of intent are due March 22, 2004, and applications are due April 22, 2004. For further information, go to the NIH Guide at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-04-010.html.