Affiliations: Clinical Outcomes and Comparative Effectiveness
Research Fellow, Center for Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomic Research,
College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA | Matrix45, Tucson, AZ, USA | College of Pharmacy, Center for Health Outcomes and
Pharmacoeconomic Research, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Ivo Abraham, Center for Health Outcomes
and Pharmacoeconomic Research, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona,
1295 N. Martin, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Recent health care legislation in the United States has turned
considerable focus to comparative effectiveness research (CER) domestically,
though it has been a topic of discussion internationally for many years.
Without a fully comprehensive and consistent definition of CER developed, much
uncertainty and confusion surrounds its utilization. In addition, contention
exists regarding the incorporation of cost and economic considerations as a
component of CER. This discussion includes various suggested definitions of
CER, methodological considerations, legislation and utilization, and the role
of cost-effectiveness evaluations in CER.
Keywords: Comparative effectiveness research (CER), pharmacoeconomics, outcomes, effectiveness, health technology assessment
