Comparative Effectiveness Evaluation as Outcomes Research

❙ABSTRACT❙ In spite of being several results of efficacy obtained by randomized controlled trials about new health technologies, evidences related to real effectiveness confirmed by head-to-head direct comparison should be needed in order to improve qualities of healthcare. The comparative effectiveness evaluation (CEE) as outcomes research have suggested as the important tool for developing evidence-based information to patients, clinicians, and other decision makers about which technologies are most effective for which patients under specific circumstances. Four major methods of outcomes research are applied as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, cohort studies using registries, linkage of large databases, and pragmatic clinical trials. Through activating the CEE, the best and most effective technologies should be adopted rapidly in routine clinical practices. (J Korean Soc Hypertens 2012;18(1):24-28)