{
  "id": "RL34208",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL34208",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 348054,
      "date": "2007-10-15",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-07T17:52:17.522029",
      "title": "Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Research: Background, History, and Overview",
      "summary": "Comparative clinical effectiveness research has been discussed as a source of information for health care decision makers that may aid them in reaching evidence-based decisions. The premise that \u201cwhat is newest is not always the best\u201d is the core of the rationale behind comparative effectiveness research. Diverse governmental and non-governmental organizations have publicly expressed their support and reservations about comparative effectiveness research. Many bills have been introduced in the 110th Congress that support comparative effectiveness research, including S. 3, H.R. 2184, H.R. 3162 (CHAMP Act), and the Healthy Americans Act (S. 334 and H.R. 3163). Although publicly supported by many governmental and non-governmental entities in the abstract, controversy about comparative clinical effectiveness research lies in its practice and implementation.\nHealth technology assessment tools (e.g., comparative clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and cost-benefit analysis) have been used for decades in the United States. To determine whether and what type of research is needed, the scope and scale of current comparative effectiveness research efforts must be understood. This report summarizes research efforts that have been funded and conducted.\nBoth the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide extramural research funding for health technology assessments. AHRQ\u2019s ongoing health technology assessment program includes the Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs), the Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness (DEcIDE) Program, Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs), and the Research Initiative in Clinical Economics (RICE). The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) also have centers that conduct health technology assessments to help the agencies make formulary and pricing decisions. Health technology assessments by AHRQ\u2019s Medical Treatment Effectiveness Program (MEDTEP) and the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) were terminated in 1995.\nSome organizations that have used these assessments include the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), Consumer Reports\u2019 Best Buy Drugs project, the DOD, for-profit firms (including consulting firms, private insurers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Oregon Health Plan, and the VHA. Some other countries have given comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness more explicit roles in their health care systems.\nProponents maintain that a new comparative clinical effectiveness research entity in the United States could have the potential to increase the efficiency and coordination of research, boost the perceived independence and scientific integrity of the research, or generate research not currently being conducted. Realizing such anticipated gains could depend on many factors. This report will be updated upon legislative activity.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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  ],
  "topics": [
    "Economic Policy",
    "Foreign Affairs",
    "Health Policy"
  ]
}