title: Comparative effectiveness research: decision-based evidence.
abstract: In the clinical research context, comparative effectiveness research (CER) refers to the comparison of several health-care interventions administered under real-world conditions to individuals representative of the day-to-day clinical practice target population. We provide a brief history of CER and argue that CER can be used to deliver useful, but currently lacking information. Three study designs that can accomplish this are discussed, and incorporating CER into cost-benefit analyses is examined. The relationships between CER and evidence-based and personalized medicine are also considered, as is the challenge of implementing CER results into routine clinical practice.
authors.forename: Charles Joseph
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kowalski
authors.forename: Adam Joel
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mrdjenovich
mesh_terms: D001499:Bayes Theorem; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003657:Decision Making; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D057285:Precision Medicine; D011788:Quality of Life