Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) Foundation

The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) Foundation, now known as the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality and value of healthcare for patients with hernias and abdominal wall diseases.

History and Mission

The AHSQC was formed in 2013 by hernia surgeons from both private practice and academic settings. Its mission is to maximize the quality and value of healthcare for patients suffering from hernia diseases and diseases of the abdominal wall. This is achieved through the collection and analysis of health data, ongoing performance feedback to clinicians, and collaborative learning.

Activities and Programs

• Data Collection and Analysis: The organization uses a disease-based registry to collect patient outcomes, including long-term follow-up data and patient-reported outcomes. This data is used to identify best practices, enhance decision-making capabilities, and improve surgical care in hernia repair.

• Verified Surgeon of Quality Program: A recognition program that honors surgeons for their dedication to quality improvement efforts in hernia care. Surgeons must consistently enter data into the ACHQC Registry and participate in continuous quality improvement programs.

Transformation and Current Status

The AHSQC Foundation transformed into the ACHQC, expanding its scope to improve outcomes and value in abdominal core health beyond hernias. The organization continues to serve as a CMS Qualified Clinical Data Registry, providing authoritative resources for assessing quality metrics and demonstrating a commitment to efficient, patient-centered care.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The organization has partnerships with medical device companies like W. L. Gore & Associates, which aligns with its goals to improve hernia care through innovation and quality assurance. Such collaborations support the development of new medical devices and foster an environment of continuous improvement in hernia repair.