New Journal Article Clarifies Definitions of Evidence-Based Medicine, Health Technology Assessment and Comparative Effectiveness Research

BETHESDA, Md.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The International Working Group for Health Technology Assessment Advancement today announced the publication of a new article, “EBM, HTA, and CER: Clearing the Confusion,” in the journal The Milbank Quarterly. The article clarifies a range of terms commonly used by health care and policy experts, including evidence-based medicine (EBM), health technology assessment (HTA), and comparative effectiveness research (CER). While the media and many experts often use these terms interchangeably, the article outlines a number of important differences that often lead to miscommunication, confusion, and poor decision-making.

“EBM, HTA, and CER: Clearing the Confusion”

The authors argue that inconsistency and confusion regarding the use of terms such as EBM, HTA, and CER have fostered unnecessary disagreements among key stakeholders, including health care providers and payers, legislators and regulators, private and public health agencies, manufacturers, patients, and taxpayers. The implications are significant as the interpretation of these important terms has a direct impact on clinical guidelines, insurance coverage decisions, drug formulary placement, and health insurance reimbursement decisions.

“We believe precise terminology will improve the public dialogue on health care policy and ultimately enhance clinical decisions and patient care,” said article co-author Bryan R. Luce, Senior Vice President of Science Policy at United BioSource Corporation. “Clear definitions for this important language will promote accountability among organizations and individuals responsible for health care decisions and payment policies.”

The article was written by members of the International Working Group for Health Technology Assessment Advancement, an expert group focused on evidence-based decision-making in health care. The authors are: Bryan R. Luce, United BioSource Corporation; Michael Drummond, University of York; Bengt Jönsson, Stockholm School of Economics; Peter J. Neumann, Tufts Medical Center; J. Sanford Schwartz, University of Pennsylvania; Uwe Siebert, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology; and Sean D. Sullivan, University of Washington.

The article was published in The Milbank Quarterly, a multidisciplinary journal of population health and health policy. It features peer reviewed original research, policy review and analysis and commentary from academics, clinicians, and policymakers. “EBM, HTA, and CER: Clearing the Confusion” can be found in volume 88, No. 2, 2010, pp. 256–276.

About United BioSource Corporation

United BioSource Corporation (UBC) is a global scientific and medical affairs organization that partners with life science companies to develop and commercialize biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other health care products. We help deliver authoritative, real-world evidence to characterize product effectiveness, address safety risk, and demonstrate value. UBC brings together recognized scientific and industry experts, research operations professionals, and new technologies to provide innovative solutions across the product lifecycle. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with offices in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information about UBC, visit www.unitedbiosource.com.