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Quality Institute

Quality Institute conducts evidence-based research

The AAAHC Institute for Quality Improvement (Quality Institute) analyzes accreditation performance results for trends and compliance to AAAHC Standards, provides consolidated and curated research that informs standards development, and assists organizations with achieving compliance through meaningful performance measurement, evidence-based tools, and focused educational opportunities. Established in 1999 and formerly a non-profit subsidiary of AAAHC, this department now facilitates close collaboration on quality improvement and research-based resources.

The Quality Institute supports AAAHC activities by

  • offering national benchmarking studies in which organizations can participate, compare themselves to similar organizations, and develop quality improvement studies to improve performance
  • producing toolkits to help organizations provide quality health care that is based on best practices and aligns with AAAHC Standards
  • recognizing AAAHC accredited organizations’ exemplary quality improvement studies through The Bernard A. Kershner Innovations in Quality Improvement Award
  • analyzing and reporting on data from AAAHC surveys through the annual Quality Roadmap publication
  • representing AAAHC in national quality meetings and with national quality organizations
  • presenting Quality Institute study findings at national meetings and submitting findings for consideration in peer-reviewed journals

Quality Resources

Quality Institute

Kershner Award Submissions

Kershner QI Award

Kershner QI Awards drive innovations in care. Learn more about past recipients and studies.

Quality Institute Toolkits

The Quality Institute offers toolkits that help you proactively improve care.

Quality Roadmap

The Quality Roadmap provides specific insights and steps to improve care.

Benchmarking Studies

See where your organization stands relative to peers and identify performance goals.

*Inclusion of these links on this site does not denote endorsement of the associated organizations or content.


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Achieving Accreditation

Strengthen your accreditation readiness

Achieving Accreditation is an interactive, immersive event designed to help you learn and prepare for your AAAHC survey while developing a deeper understanding of AAAHC Standards. We are facing the future together…1095 Strong!

Learn more about Achieving Accreditation

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Kershner Quality Improvement Award

Check out exemplary studies

Kershner QI Awards recognize excellence in quality improvement methodology and outcomes for AAAHC-accredited organizations in both the surgical/procedural and primary care space.

Learn more about QI innovation