Patient, caregiver and clinician use of comparative effectiveness research findings in care decisions: results from a national study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess awareness, use and attitudes concerning comparative effectiveness research (CER) findings.


METHODS
Online surveys of patients and caregivers managing rare (n = 560 patients, n = 609 caregivers) or chronic conditions (n = 762 patients, n = 776 caregivers), and practicing clinicians (n = 638).


RESULTS
Less than half of patients and caregivers reported exposure to any type of CER findings in the past 12 months. Of those, over half identify healthcare professionals as the information source, yet only 10% of clinicians indicated they were 'very familiar' with CER. Clinicians were concerned about the time required to find relevant evidence and the appropriateness of comparisons in available health research.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians, patients and caregivers indicate unmet need for incorporating CER research findings into clinical decision-making.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, 1828 L Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
Lori B
LB
Frank
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, 1828 L Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
Laura P
LP
Forsythe
American Institutes for Research, 1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Suite 3290, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Thomas A
TA
Workman
American Institutes for Research, 1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Suite 3290, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Tandrea
T
Hilliard
American Institutes for Research, 1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Suite 3290, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Mary
M
Lavelle
American Institutes for Research, 1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Suite 3290, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Daniel
D
Harwell
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, 1828 L Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
Lauren
L
Fayish
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making / Q000379:methods*; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
clinical decisions; comparative effectiveness research; health information