EBM, HTA, and CER: clearing the confusion.
BACKGROUND
The terms evidence-based medicine (EBM), health technology assessment (HTA), comparative effectiveness research (CER), and other related terms lack clarity and so could lead to miscommunication, confusion, and poor decision making. The objective of this article is to clarify their definitions and the relationships among key terms and concepts.


METHODS
This article used the relevant methods and policy literature as well as the websites of organizations engaged in evidence-based activities to develop a framework to explain the relationships among the terms EBM, HTA, and CER.


RESULTS
This article proposes an organizing framework and presents a graphic demonstrating the differences and relationships among these terms and concepts.


CONCLUSIONS
More specific terminology and concepts are necessary for an informed and clear public policy debate. They are even more important to inform decision making at all levels and to engender more accountability by the organizations and individuals responsible for these decisions.
Luce
Bryan R
BR
United BioSource Corporation, Bethesda, MD, USA. bryan.luce@unitedbiosource.com
Drummond
Michael
M
Jönsson
Bengt
B
Neumann
Peter J
PJ
Schwartz
J Sanford
JS
Siebert
Uwe
U
Sullivan
Sean D
SD
D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014481:United States