AHRQ Launches Program to Help Put Proven Treatments into Practice
Posted on: Sunday, 20 November 2005, 03:02 CST
By Anonymous
HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality launched its new Effective Health Care Program to help clinicians and patients determine which drugs and other medical treatments work best for certain health conditions. Thirteen new research centers, as well as an innovative center for communicating findings, were named as part of the three-part program. The $ 15 million program will support the development of new scientific information through research on the outcomes of healthcare services and therapies, including drugs. By reviewing and synthesizing published and unpublished scientific studies, as well as identifying important issues where existing evidence is insufficient, the program will help provide clinicians and patients with better information for making treatment decisions. Initial reports from the new program will be issued this fall, with particular focus on effectiveness information relevant to Medicare beneficiaries. The new program includes three components: 1.) Comparative Effectiveness Reports: The program builds on existing network of 13 Evidence-based Practice Centers. 2.) Network of Research Centers: A new network of 13 Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness research centers (referred to as DEcIDE) will carry out accelerated studies, including research aimed at filling knowledge gaps about treatment effectiveness. Operating under strict procedures to guarantee privacy and security, DEcIDE centers will use de-identified data available through insurers, health plans and other partner organizations to answer questions about the use, benefits and risks of medications and other therapies. Collectively, the DEcIDE centers will have access to de- identified medical data for millions of patients, including Medicare's 42 million beneficiaries. DEcIDE centers will begin work on 15 research projects immediately. 3.) Making Findings Clear for Different Audiences: A new Clinical Decisions and Communications Science Center was also announced, to be called the Eisenberg Center in honor of the late AHRQ director, John M. Eisenberg, M.D. This effort is aimed at improving communication of findings to a variety of audiences, including consumers, clinicians, payers, and healthcare policy makers. A new Web site for the program, http:// www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov, was also announced.
Copyright KSR Publishing Nov 2005
Source: Healthcare Purchasing News
Related Articles
- Dieticians & Nutritionists Concerned Economic Downturn Will Effect Patient Health and Diets.
- Erikson Institute Herr Research Center to Host Policy Conference on Trends and Needs in Early Childhood Mental Health Systems
- Bold Evolution Transforms National Jewish Medical and Research Center to National Jewish Health
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center to Be Dedicated in La Jolla
- National Jewish Medical and Research Center Launches 10-Year Strategic Plan to Integrate Research and Patient Care
- NASA Announces Glenn Research Center Health Services Contract
- Siemens, The Mount Sinai Medical Center and Elmhurst Hospital Center Form Patient Health Smart Card Alliance With Goal of Serving Residents and Health Care Facilities in New York Metro Area
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Becomes Recognized Environmental Star; Facility Receives EnviroStars Recognized Leader Distinction From EnviroStars Program
- Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund Awards Grant for Breast Cancer Awareness Program to ACCESS Health & Research Center
- CORRECTING and REPLACING California HealthCare Foundation and the Center for Health Research, UC Berkeley Co-Host Health Care Information Technology Conference
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds