title: Comparative Effectiveness Research in Musculoskeletal Imaging.
abstract: The primary goal of comparative effectiveness research (CER) is to define the optimal choice among alternative diagnostic and interventional strategies for a given clinical scenario among major stakeholders in the health care system. In an era where health care decision makers are demanding greater evidence of improved patient outcomes from the use of medical technologies, musculoskeletal (MSK) imagers must be more engaged in generating quality CER. We provide an overview of CER and its expanding role in U.S. health care, the current funding environment for CER and MSK imaging, potential areas for CER in MSK radiology, and a discussion of foreseeable challenges for CER in MSK imaging.
authors.affiliation: Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: Shadpour
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Demehri
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Recht
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Christoph I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000379:methods*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging