Dr. Aaron Kesselheim Discusses Comparative Effectiveness Research

Aaron S. Kesselheim, MD, JD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, explains that academic detailing is the best way to deliver evidence-based information to various parties. He states that both physicians and payers have similar goals to deliver the best outcomes to patients. Both require comparative effectiveness research (CER) to use the most cost-effective ways to treat patients.

Dr. Kesselheim notes that CER allows payers and physcisians to monitor the costs of care while maintaining the best evidence-based prescribing practices. Physicians and providers can use CER to improve patient care and adherence with CER. Dr. Kesselheim states that patient responsibility and engagement is crucial in the success of CER.