IOM backs national clinical-effectiveness effort

In a new report, the Institute of Medicine is recommending that Congress establish a national program to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of products and services, in an effort to give providers a single, reliable source of information. This dovetails with recent recommendations by researchers with The Commonwealth Fund, who argue that the country should establish a "Center for Medical Effectiveness and Health Care Decision-Making."

Right now, IOM members note, clinicians have far too many sources to evaluate when looking at the clinical effectiveness of treatments and products, and researchers sometimes end up duplicating existing effectiveness research. The 16-member group, which includes academics, providers and insurers, would like to see Congress ask HHS to create a well-funded program with the resources and clinical expertise to offer a single, unified review of major clinical effectiveness issues.

To learn more about this recommendation:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.)

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