236624 Comparative effectiveness research in public health: Background and overview

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 8:30 AM

Danielle Ross, PhD, MSc, MA , Prevention Research Centers Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Nancy Lee, MD , Prevention Research Centers Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Diane Green, PhD, MPH , Prevention Research Centers Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Eduardo J. Simoes, MD, MSc, MPH , Prevention Research Centers Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
In clinical settings comparative effectiveness research (CER) compares the effectiveness of two or more treatments for a certain medical condition for a particular set of patients. CER also is implemented in public health to compare the effectiveness of two or more prevention or health promotion interventions to determine which interventions yield the most benefit in which populations.

We will provide background on CER, outline the rationale for implementing CER in public health, and introduce four examples of public health CER.

A new role for CER is being carved out in public health. The effectiveness of particular interventions may depend on the settings in which they are applied (e.g., minority communities, tribal clinics), and CER can help identify the characteristics essential to success in specific communities and settings. The focus can also be on dissemination of public health interventions, policy changes, or environmental changes that promote healthy behaviors or reduce behaviors that increase risk of disease or disability. The long-term goal is to translate the most effective public health interventions or strategies into public health programs, practice, and policy in communities throughout the country in a time- and cost-efficient manner.

Public health CER to prevent chronic diseases and promote health can contribute to reducing health disparities, increasing scientific knowledge, and reducing health care costs. As the nation moves to reduce health care costs and institute evidence-based, cost-effective public health programs, knowing which of several interventions or strategies are best in preventing disease and disability and promoting health is essential.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe comparative effectiveness research (CER) as is it is implemented in a public health setting

Keywords: Prevention, Community-Based Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I oversee the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevention Research Centers Comparative Effectiveness Research Program.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.