Are we providing the best care for our patients? How do we evaluate what the best care for each patient is? Comparative effectiveness research is intended to evaluate this very question.
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the available scientific evidence around patient care and what the best treatment option might be- in terms of effectiveness, benefits and harm to the patient. In type 2 Diabetes, this research may be examining the best medication to obtain glycemic control. It will also evaluate whether the medication is the best in all populations, or if certain medications may work better for some than others.
Research can be done via a systematic review of current publications to establish a consensus around what has already been studied. Researchers in this field of comparative effectiveness may also develop new hypotheses and conduct studies to answer new questions in the field.
This research is made available to help provide the most appropriate unbiased care to patients. It’s intent is to help providers work with patients to determine the best care for them and help bridge the gap between the science and the practice.
Deborah Wexler, MD, Mary Larkin, MS, RN, CDE, and Andrea deManbey, RN, BSN will be discussing the comparative effectiveness research around type 2 diabetes on October 16. Sign up to learn more about this fascinating area of research- I just did!