Assessment of the Need to Update Comparative Effectiveness Reviews: Report of an Initial Rapid Program Assessment (2005-2009)

摘要

The Effective Health Care Program (EHC) researches available health care tests and treatments to determine whether there are significant advantages or disadvantages with different approaches. The results of this comparative effectiveness research can help people make better decisions about what health care they want to have, and can help clinicians and health care purchasers to focus on the best tests and treatments. Initial work in this program originates from Section 1013 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003. Section 1013 authorizes AHRQ to conduct and support research with a focus on outcomes, comparative clinical effectiveness, and appropriateness of pharmaceuticals, devices, and health care services.