The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s annual release of state-by-state quality data continues to give states mixed reviews for the quality of care they provide.  Hawaii was rated “Average” in providing quality health care. 

The 2008 State Snapshots summarize health care quality in three dimensions: type of care (preventive, acute and chronic care), setting of care (hospitals, ambulatory, nursing homes and home health care) and by clinical areas (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, maternal and child health and respiratory disease). The 2008 State Snapshots allow users to explore whether a state has improved or worsened compared with other states in several areas of health care delivery.
 
“The State Snapshots are an invaluable resource for state officials, health care providers and purchasers to help them better understand the extent of health care quality and disparities in their states,” said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D.  “With this information, they can take the necessary steps to improve health care quality and address persistent gaps in access to health care.”
  
To access this year’s State Snapshots tool, go to: http://statesnapshots.ahrq.gov/.

HHIC also offers detailed reports on hospital safety, prevention, acute care utilization and inpatient mortality.  For more information go to Knowledge Nugget #7

• Hospitalizations among tourists . . . why care?
• Looking for statistics?
• Heart Health and Men
• Obesity Heavy Burden on Hospitals
• Babies: NOT Cheaper by the Dozen!
• Meth Admissions Rising in Hawaii