This final research report is available in PDF (143 kB) form only. Persons using assistive technology may not be able to fully access information in this file. For additional assistance, please contact us.
Structured Abstract
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Effective Healthcare (EHC) Program has noted the challenge of decisionmaking when evidence of safety and effectiveness is in dispute and, along with others, has identified the importance of values, preferences, and other contextual factors as part of the decision-making process. Stakeholders have played a significant and important role in identifying ways to make comparative effectiveness reviews more useful to decisionmakers by providing input on the needs of the diverse audience of stakeholders when evidence of safety and effectiveness is weak or uncertain. This paper discusses the valuable input that members of the EHC Program Product Development Workgroup provided regarding several key programmatic and content areas, including: report enhancements designed to support decision making when evidence of safety and effectiveness is limited, weak, or conflicting; improvements to the readability and accessibility of program reports; and enhancements to the future research sections of reports.