CER & Sources of Data

Question 1

Comparative Effectiveness Research

Answer 1

a concept in which a chosen medical intervention is guided by scientific evidence on how well it would work compared to other available treatments

Question 2

Drug Efficacy

Answer 2

investigates whether a drug has the ability to bring about the intended effect under perfect conditions

Question 3

Drug Effectiveness

Answer 3

investigates whether a drug achieves its desired effects under real-world conditions

Question 4

Database - Desired Qualities

Answer 4

representative
large
timely
continuity
linkage on unique identifier
accessible

Question 5

HMO / Health Plans

Answer 5

administrative and clinical datasets are maintained by HMOs and are used for clinical care, payments, and operational purposes

Question 6

Info Sources Offered by HMOs

Answer 6

demographic data
outpatient drug exposure
ICD codes
procedures & exams
EMRs

Question 7

HMO Databases - Strengths

Answer 7

large, diverse, defined populations

access to providers

large cohorts can be identified to measure incidence of rare events or with specific exposures

Question 8

HMO Databases - Weaknesses

Answer 8

absence of the uninsured population
smaller fraction of the elderly
Rxs filled for cash / OTC is not routinely captured

Question 9

Government Databases

Answer 9

Medicaid (low-income, pregnant, chronically disabled, low-income seniors)

Medicare (65+ & permanently disabled)

Question 10

PHIS Databases

Answer 10

hospital database containing clinical and financial data elements

Question 11

Premier Database

Answer 11

a consort of US non-for-profit hospitals and health systems