The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a component of the US Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency responsible for researching the availability, quality, and costs of healthcare services. AHRQ also focuses on improving the effectiveness and appropriateness of clinical practices, including disease prevention. The agency conducts research through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts, with nearly 80% of its budget allocated to researchers at universities and other institutions nationwide. Formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), AHRQ plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare research and policy.The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a component of the US Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency responsible for researching the availability, quality, and costs of healthcare services. AHRQ also focuses on improving the effectiveness and appropriateness of clinical practices, including disease prevention. The agency conducts research through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts, with nearly 80% of its budget allocated to researchers at universities and other institutions nationwide. Formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), AHRQ plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare research and policy.