Consensus Statement on the Critical Importance of
Comparative Effectiveness Research
December 2, 2009
A broad based coalition announced its support for provisions in the Senate health reform bill that would give doctors and patients more information about how different treatments compare to one another, and which treatments work best.
The groups said, “We believe that the nation needs a publicly supported comparative effectiveness research program. Comparative effectiveness research yields evidence that doctors and patients can use to make better treatment decisions. It save lives, improves health outcomes, makes care safer, and encourages the wise use of healthcare dollars. These benefits make comparative effectiveness research a critical component of health reform. Comparative effectiveness research also enhances “personalized medicine” by helping to inform doctors and patients about which treatment options work best for subsets of patients and individuals with unique medical circumstances.”