Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER), as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the conduct and synthesis of systematic research comparing different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor health conditions. The purpose of this research is to inform patients, providers, and decision-makers, responding to their expressed needs, about which interventions are most effective for which patients under specific circumstances. To provide this information, comparative effectiveness research must assess a comprehensive array of health-related outcomes for diverse patient populations. Defined interventions compared may include medications, procedures, medical and assistive devices and technologies, behavioral change strategies, and delivery system interventions. This research necessitates the development, expansion, and use of a variety of data sources and methods to assess comparative effectiveness.

CER DOCUMENTS:

• Summary of Friends of Cancer Research 2010 CER Forum
• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Chart
• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Funding Chart
• CER in new Health Care Reform Law- Presentation at AACR Annual Meeting
• Friends of Cancer Research Report- "Improving Medical Decision Through Comparative Effectiveness Research: Cancer as a Case Study"
• Overview of CER Provisions in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act