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ÂÜÀòÊÓƵImpact Case Studies provide evidence of how AHRQ-funded projects impact health care outcomes, quality, cost, use, and access. Each Impact Case Study demonstrates how AHRQ-funded resources are actually being used to improve the health care system.

Impact Case Studies are developed by AHRQ's Office of Communications (OC) based on leads that are provided through a wide range of venues. Each Impact Case Study must meet basic criteria to move beyond the lead stage. Viable leads follow the general development process outlined below.

Criteria

Development of an Impact Case Study starts by collecting leads. Viable leads must meet the following criteria:

• The user (person or entity that uses AHRQ’s material) must be identifiable and not receiving ÂÜÀòÊÓƵfunding for the project in question at the time of the case study development.
• Information must be available that clearly shows that the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵresearch, products, or tools have influenced a change in policy or clinical practice or affected patient outcomes.
• Impact or results must have already occurred. "Hopes to implement," "plans to change its policy," and such instances do not qualify as impact or results.

Note: Case studies do not include presentations, media hits, news articles, interviews, or citations in professional publications.