Obtaining Quality Indicators Software

Is there any other software program besides SAS® or SPSS® that can be used with the AHRQ QIs?

Not at this time. However, AHRQ is in the process of developing an alternative platform which will not require SAS® or SPSS®. The availability of any new software will be announced over the QI LISTSERV®. You may sign up for the QI LISTSERV® on the QI Web site (http://www.qualityindicators.ahrq.gov/signup.htm).

How can I obtain a copy of the AHRQ QIs software?

The software can be downloaded from the Quality Indicators Web site. The Prevention Quality Indicators (PQIs) software is available as SAS® and SPSS® programs and can be downloaded from the PQIs download page. The Inpatient Quality Indicators (IQIs) software is available as SAS® and SPSS® programs and can be downloaded from the IQIs download page. The Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) software is available as SAS® and SPSS® programs and can be downloaded from the PSIs download page. Although the AHRQ QIs program modules are free, both SAS® and SPSS® are commercially licensed software packages that must be purchased. Neither SAS® Institute, Inc., nor SPSS®, Inc., has any affiliation with development of the AHRQ QIs.

I am having trouble downloading files from the QI Web site, where can I get help?

You may go to the support page to submit a request for help, send an E-mail explaining your problem to support@qualityindicators.ahrq.gov or call (888) 512-6090 to leave a voice mail message.

What are the system requirements to run the software?

The SAS® versions of the AHRQ QIs software require the BASE and STAT modules of SAS®. The SAS® versions were also developed for SAS® Version 6.12 or higher. The SPSS® versions of the AHRQ QIs software are designed for SPSS® Base Version 7.5 or higher. Please refer to the appropriate SAS® or SPSS® documentation for current system requirements. Neither SAS® Institute, Inc., nor SPSS®, Inc., has any affiliation with development of the AHRQ QIs.

How do I obtain SAS® or SPSS®?

SAS® is a statistical program distributed by the SAS® Institute, Inc., (www.sas.com). SPSS® is another statistical program distributed by SPSS®, Inc., (www.spss.com). These companies may be contacted directly regarding the licensing of their products. Neither SAS® Institute, Inc., nor SPSS®, Inc., has any affiliation with development of the AHRQ QIs.

Is training available for users of the AHRQ QIs?

In response to users request, AHRQ is developing a curriculum to assist current and future users of the AHRQ QIs.  The first of three training sessions for 2004 was held in May at the A²IRNET annual meeting and was made possible by a contract with RTI, International.  Further training will be offered in November and December of 2004 in conjunction with the annual meetings of the National Business Coalition on Health and the National Association of Health Data Organizations.  These and other training opportunities will be announced to users through the AHRQ QI LISTSERV®.