Comparative effectiveness research in the United States: a progress report

Abstract

The United States, with vast resources devoted to medical care, is investing in a new approach designed to improve health care efficiency. The conduct and reporting of comparative effectiveness research (CER) promises to help clinicians, payers, patients and other stakeholders make better and more informed decisions. Expectations for CER are high and public and private investments are sizeable. This paper discussions the evolution of CER in the US and gives a brief report on its progress and challenges.