Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control health problems. AHRQ contributes significantly to the field of epidemiology by:
1. Funding Research: AHRQ funds various epidemiological studies that focus on understanding the patterns of diseases, healthcare utilization, and outcomes. 2. Data Collection: AHRQ collects and provides access to large datasets, such as the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), which are invaluable for epidemiological research. 3. Guidelines and Recommendations: AHRQ develops evidence-based guidelines and recommendations that are rooted in epidemiological research to inform clinical practice and healthcare policy.
