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 Welcome back to Today in Health It where we dive into the latest developments shaping healthcare information technology. I'm Sarah Richardson, and as always, I am joined by my co-host, Kate Gamble.

Good morning, Kate. Good morning.

So today we're talking about a significant change in the healthcare landscape, the proposed merger involving the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or A HRQ.

We came across in a treating article called A HRQ merger raises questions about the future of safety and quality work.

So we're gonna explore the potential impact of this merger on healthcare quality initiatives and what that means for you as a healthcare leader. So

this development has sparked a lot of discussion in the community, and we're gonna explore five key highlights from the article and discuss those implications for healthcare IT leaders, as well as the broader

industry.

So to start us off, the merger involves integrating A HRQ with the Assistant Secretary for planning and evaluation to create a new entity called the Office of Strategy. This move is part of a broader effort to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services, and also aims to improve research supporting HHS priorities and enhance the effectiveness of federal health programs.

While the intention is to streamline operations and reduce costs, many in the healthcare community are concerned. About how this consolidation might affect the focus and resources dedicated to patient safety and quality initiatives?

Absolutely. Because A HRQ has been instrumental in developing evidence-based practices and resources that healthcare organizations rely on to improve care delivery, any changes to its structure could have far, far-reaching implications.

So one of the major concerns highlighted in the article is the potential reduction in safety research and resources for assisting the state of healthcare in America. for example, David Newman, Toker MD from Johns Hopkins University, Emphasize the need for expansion, not reduction in safety research to ensure patient safety and maximize value in healthcare.

This sentiment is echoed by other leaders who warn that cuts to AH, HQ's funding could undermine the infrastructure that health systems depend on to enhance care and protect both patients and staff.

Patricia Affigan, who's an RN from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, stated that such cuts could erase decades of progress in patient safety research.

So these are just some of the perspectives that underscore the critical role that dedicated agencies like A HRQ play in maintaining and advancing healthcare quality standards.

The uncertainty surrounding this merger could impact the momentum of these initiatives, which could potentially affect the development and implementation of health IT solutions that are designed to enhance patient safety.

The CIOs and CIO teams, you may need to proactively seek alternative resources and collaborations to continue driving improvements in patient safety and quality within your organizations.

Beyond health it, this merger , could have broader implications for the healthcare industry. So A HRQ has been a central hub for patient safety programs with resources like the Patient Safety Education and Training catalog, which includes a database of 333 current patient safety programs in the

us.

The potential downsizing or restructuring of such resources could hinder the dissemination of best practices and the ability of healthcare organizations to learn from one another's experiences,

and it could lead to variability in care quality and safety standards across different organizations, which ultimately can affect patient outcomes.

So given these developments, it is important for healthcare leaders to stay informed and engaged. So we have some recommendations for you. Number one, stay updated regularly. Monitor updates from reputable sources about the merger and its implications. Number two, engage in dialogue. So participate in discussions with professional associations and your peers to share insights and strategies.

And third, advocate for patient safety. Please collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders to emphasize the importance of dedicated resources for patient safety and quality. This goes back to. Being updated, having conversations and advocacy, whether it's regarding this topic or others. These are all important recommendations to stay involved in the game.

As always, if you have questions, chances are your peers do too. So the more you can get together and talk about it, the better off everyone is gonna be. Obviously, we're big fans of collaboration here at this week Health, but by taking these steps that Sarah just outlined, leaders can ensure that patient safety and quality remain at the forefront, even amid organizational changes at the federal level.

So the proposed merger involving A HRQ presents both challenges and opportunities for the healthcare industry. While the full impact remains to be seen, it's imperative for healthcare professionals, especially those in it to remain vigilant and proactive.

Absolutely. So by staying informed, engaging in collaborative discussions, and advocating for the prioritization of patient safety, we can navigate these challenges effectively and continue to advance the quality of care.

100%. And that's it for today's episode. Join us tomorrow when we discuss Apple's next big bet in the healthcare space. Remember to share this podcast with a friend or a colleague. Use it as a foundation for daily or weekly discussions on the topics that are 📍 relevant to you and the industry. They can subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Kate, thank you for joining me and thanks for listening. That's all for now.