title: Public perceptions of comparative effectiveness research and use of evidence in healthcare decision-making.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study elaborates on the public's understanding of comparative effectiveness research (CER) or patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR), attitudes toward CER/PCOR and use of evidence in healthcare decision-making.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted six focus groups with the general public - three with individuals actively engaged in healthcare decision-making and three with individuals more passive in their approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The general public has little knowledge of CER/PCOR, and its perceptions of certain CER/PCOR concepts are inconsistent with those of researchers and policy-makers. Active healthcare consumers value information more than passive consumers and are likely to use evidence in decision-making.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Providers are an important source for disseminating and communicating CER/PCOR evidence to active and passive consumers.
authors.affiliation: Mathematica Policy Research, 111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 920, Chicago, IL 60601, USA.
authors.forename: Derekh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cornwell
authors.forename: Mindy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Dominick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Esposito
mesh_terms: D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011639:Public Opinion
keywords: activation; active; comparative effectiveness research; consumers; focus groups; passive; public