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EBM, HTA, and CER: Clearing the Confusion
Author(s) -
LUCE BRYAN R.,
DRUMMOND MICHAEL,
JÖNSSON BENGT,
NEUMANN PETER J.,
SCHWARTZ J. SANFORD,
SIEBERT UWE,
SULLIVAN SEAN D.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the milbank quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1468-0009
pISSN - 0887-378X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0009.2010.00598.x
Subject(s) - confusion , clearing , medicine , intensive care medicine , psychology , economics , psychoanalysis , finance
Context: The terms evidence‐based medicine (EBM), health technology assessment (HTA), comparative effectiveness research (CER), and other related terms lack clarity and so could lead to miscommunication, confusion, and poor decision making. The objective of this article is to clarify their definitions and the relationships among key terms and concepts. Methods: This article used the relevant methods and policy literature as well as the websites of organizations engaged in evidence‐based activities to develop a framework to explain the relationships among the terms EBM, HTA, and CER. Findings: This article proposes an organizing framework and presents a graphic demonstrating the differences and relationships among these terms and concepts. Conclusions: More specific terminology and concepts are necessary for an informed and clear public policy debate. They are even more important to inform decision making at all levels and to engender more accountability by the organizations and individuals responsible for these decisions.