The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an arm of the Department of Health and Human Services, is working on developing a comprehensive database of healthcare related innovations for people to tap into when looking for specific solutions or design ideas. The AHRQ is planning on providing public access to the archive in the Spring of 2008.
The Washington-based agency’s Health Care Innovations Exchange will feature a searchable repository of innovative activities and tools designed to help organizations identify ideas that meet their specific needs. The program also will feature innovator networks and educational materials designed to help organizations learn about the process of innovation and what they can do to cultivate a culture that supports innovative approaches to care.
AHRQ has designated an expert panel and editorial board to help select submitted innovations for the repository as well as work with the contributors to refine their ideas for publication. Submitted innovations can include the use of devices, software or other I.T. They also can involve curricula, policies or procedures.
Here at Medgadget we think that we’ve already been compiling a rather comprehensive database of medical innovation and technology. Perhaps the designers of the new repository will be wise to visit our archives.
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Health Care Innovations Exchange…
(Thanks to Harold for the tip..)