Quality and Disparities in the Use of Health Care Services

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

From ANA News: http://www.ana.org

HHS Issues National Reports on Quality and Disparities in the Use of Health Care Services

12/29/03

HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson released two reports that represent the first national comprehensive effort to measure the quality of health care in America and differences in access to health care services for priority populations.

The reports, the National Healthcare Quality Reportand the National Healthcare Disparities Report, present data on the quality of services for seven clinical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, heart disease, HIV and AIDS, mental health, and respiratory disease. It also includes data on maternal and child health, nursing home and home health care, and patient safety.

View reports at http://www.qualitytools.ahrq.gov.