New BIO White Paper Explores Complexities of Comparative Effectiveness
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 5, 2007) -- The seemingly simple idea of comparative effectiveness is actually quite complex, finds a new paper issued today by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). “The Complexities of Comparative Effectiveness,” written by BIO’s Director of Economic Policy Ted Buckley, Ph.D., aims to educate readers about the term “comparative effectiveness” and the conceptual complexities inherent in comparative effectiveness analysis.
The primary goal of comparative effectiveness should be to increase the availability of accurate, scientific evidence to inform clinical decision making. In the paper, however, Buckley explains that while comparative effectiveness can be a valuable tool to inform the decision making of the clinician and the patient, it cannot provide simple, “one size fits all” answers.
The paper also explores a variety of issues impacting the implementation and efficacy of comparative effectiveness studies, including, but not limited to, the lack of a standard definition for comparative effectiveness, the challenges inherent in applying population-based study results to the needs of the individual patient and the challenges in changing practice patterns.
“As our new research paper shows, there are many issues regarding comparative effectiveness that render it much more complicated than it first appears,” remarked Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. “As a representative of an industry committed to discovering new cures and ensuring patient access to them, BIO strongly supports efforts to increase the availability of accurate, scientific evidence to inform clinical decision-making. When appropriately applied, comparative effectiveness information is a valuable tool that, together with a variety of other types of medical evidence, can contribute to improving health care delivery. Given the complexity of the issue, however, policy makers should tread cautiously when looking to comparative effectiveness as a ‘silver bullet’ to improve patient health outcomes. We look forward to continuing the dialogue surrounding the issue of comparative effectiveness.”
To obtain a copy of the full report, please visit BIO’s website at http://bio.org/healthcare/compeffective/20071025.pdf .
Upcoming BIO Events
BIO-Europe 2007 International Partnering Conference
November 12-14, 2007
Hamburg, Germany
Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
November 14-16, 2007
Honolulu, Hawaii
World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & BioProcessing
April 27-30, 2008
Chicago, Ill.
BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 11-13, 2008
New York, NY
2008 BIO International Convention
June 17-20, 2008
San Diego, Calif.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry. Visit www.bio.org for more information on BIO and all upcoming events.