Patient, caregiver and clinician use of comparative effectiveness research findings in care decisions: results from a national study

Abstract

Aim: To assess awareness, use and attitudes concerning comparative effectiveness research (CER) findings.

Materials & methods: Online surveys of patients and caregivers managing rare (n = 560 patients, n = 609 caregivers) or chronic conditions (n = 762 patients, n = 776 caregivers), and practicing clinicians (n = 638).

Results: Less than half of patients and caregivers reported exposure to any type of CER findings in the past 12 months. Of those, over half identify healthcare professionals as the information source, yet only 10% of clinicians indicated they were 'very familiar' with CER. Clinicians were concerned about the time required to find relevant evidence and the appropriateness of comparisons in available health research.

Conclusion: Clinicians, patients and caregivers indicate unmet need for incorporating CER research findings into clinical decision-making.

Keywords: clinical decisions; comparative effectiveness research; health information.