CMTP Launches Policy Leadership Briefings on Comparative Effectiveness Research

On July 30, 2010, CMTP successfully held its first in a series of Policy Leadership Briefings on Comparative Effectiveness Research titled, “What is CER and What Will It Mean for Patients, Physicians and Payors?”CER is, by definition, intended to provide evidence that informs real world decision making by physicians and patients in choosing between treatment options. The underlying premise as defined in the health reform law is that such evidence is too often lacking. CER will attempt to rectify this issue by conducting studies which differ in crucial ways from many of the traditional studies that have gone before.

The Policy Leadership Briefings are designed to provide informal, “ask the experts” sessions for Hill staff and key policy makers in DC. The topics and formats are intended to generate a concise but rich discussion of important questions and misconceptions that arise around CER and PCORI. The two main goals of the sessions are: (1) to create a neutral, independent platform for exchange of CER-related ideas, tools, and strategies between experts and policy makers, and (2) to become a credible and trusted source of information to key policy decision makers on all aspects of comparative effectiveness research and evidence-based, patient centered health care.  A white paper describing key issues will be distributed to participants at each meeting. Briefings will typically be limited to a morning or afternoon, and include breakfast or lunch, and are located near the Capitol for easy access to Congressional members and their staffs.

The agenda and white paper for the first briefing can be found on the CER Policy Leadership Briefings webpage. This session addressed some of the critical issues, concerns, and policy options surrounding CER, as well as the role of the new Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute in defining and implementing CER approaches to clinical decision making.