By Healthcare Facilities Today

A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers suggestions on topics from engaging patients to connecting data, according to an article on the Fierce Health IT website.

The tips include suggestions on:

• measuring development

• identifying data elements

• connecting data sources

• engaging patients

• collaborating and educating

"The importance of informed collaboration was a major theme throughout the development of this report. Careful thought needs to go into the design of collaboratives to ensure engagement of the breadth and depth of stakeholder groups that is required for success," AHRQ said in the article.

It stresses the need for ongoing dialog and for organizations to periodically revisit their priorities. Patient input is vital, it says.

In a report evaluating 24 research projects it funded through its Quality Through Clinician Use of Health IT (IQHIT) initiative, AHRQ found that technology offering clinical decision support, clinical workflow support and care coordination can improve patient outcomes, the article said.

Read the article and download the report.