Agency News and Notes

AHRQ initiative encourages better two-way communication between clinicians and patients

"Questions are the Answer," a new initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Ad Council, encourages clinicians and patients to engage in effective two-way communication to ensure safer care and better health outcomes. An original series of new videos on the AHRQ Web site, http://www.ahrq.gov/questions, features real patients and clinicians discussing the importance of asking questions and sharing information. The Web site also features new resources to help patients be prepared before, during, and after their medical appointments. The resources include:

• An interactive "Question Builder" tool that enables patients to create, prioritize, and print a personalized list of questions based on their health condition.
• A brochure, titled "Be More Involved in Your Health Care: Tips for Patients," that offers helpful suggestions to follow before, during, and after a medical visit.
• Notepads to help patients prioritize the top three questions they wish to address during their appointment.

For more information, go to www.ahrq.gov/questions. To request free copies of the brochure and notepad, please call 1-800-358-9295 or email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.

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