In This Week’s Issue:
1. PIPC/AAN Roundtable on Dissemination and Implementation, click here to see full summary and recommendations.
2. PIPC Congratulates PCORI’s Dr. Anne Beal on New Position with Sanofi, click here to view the statement.
3. Bloomberg: The Controversy Surrounding Comparative Effectiveness Research, click here to view the artcile.
4. JMCP: The GRACE Checklist for Rating the Quality of Observational Studies of Comparative Effectiveness: A Tale of Hope and Caution, click here to view the article.
5. PCORI Board of Governors Reappoints Advisory Panels, Approves Nominees for Two Seats, click here for more information.
6. Medical News Today: PCORI Sets Prioritized Research Agenda for Managing Two Diverse Conditions, click here for the full article.
7. AJMC: How Clinical Evidence Drives Formulary Decision-Making, click here for the full article.
8. Health Imaging: Demonstrating Value, Driving Down Costs: Comparative Effectiveness Research & Radiology, click here for the full article.
1. PIPC/AAN Roundtable on Dissemination and Implementation, click here to see full summary and recommendations.
2. PIPC Congratulates PCORI’s Dr. Anne Beal on New Position with Sanofi, click here to view the statement.
3. Bloomberg: The Controversy Surrounding Comparative Effectiveness Research, click here to view the artcile.
4. JMCP: The GRACE Checklist for Rating the Quality of Observational Studies of Comparative Effectiveness: A Tale of Hope and Caution, click here to view the article.
5. PCORI Board of Governors Reappoints Advisory Panels, Approves Nominees for Two Seats, click here for more information.
6. Medical News Today: PCORI Sets Prioritized Research Agenda for Managing Two Diverse Conditions, click here for the full article.
7. AJMC: How Clinical Evidence Drives Formulary Decision-Making, click here for the full article.
8. Health Imaging: Demonstrating Value, Driving Down Costs: Comparative Effectiveness Research & Radiology, click here for the full article.
1. PIPC/AAN Roundtable on Dissemination and Implementation
PIPC and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) jointly hosted a Movement Disorders focused Roundtable on issues specific to the dissemination and implementation agenda of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Results of that roundtable held in November were recently released. A PCORI representative briefed attending participants on the Institute’s current thinking and approaches related to its Dissemination and Implementation Action Plan, and participants were offered the opportunity to both comment and ask questions. Subsequently, participants engaged in a wide ranging discussion intended to surface and identify consensus recommendations for both PCORI and the AAN. Click here to see the full summary and recommendations.
2. PIPC Congratulates PCORI’s Dr. Anne Beal on New Position with Sanofi
PCORI announced that Deputy Executive Director Anne Beal, MD, MPH, will be leaving on March 9 for a new position as Senior Vice President and Chief Patient Officer with Sanofi S.A. There she will work with various divisions of the firm to create a holistic understanding of the patient’s daily experience and translate patient concerns into novel healthcare delivery solutions. Dr. Beal was PCORI’s first Chief Officer for Engagement and also its first Chief Operating Officer.
PIPC congratulates Dr. Beal on her new position, and is grateful for her leadership on patient and stakeholder engagement at PCORI. PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho stated, “Dr. Beal has been part of a significant evolution in the conduct of comparative effectiveness research that is focused on the needs of patients. I am pleased that Sanofi recognized the value of Dr. Beal’s work at PCORI and will provide her a platform to use that experience to advance patient-centered health care.” Click here to view the full statement.
3. Bloomberg: The Controversy Surrounding Comparative Effectiveness Research
Responding to a January op-ed in Bloomberg by former OMB Director Dr. Peter Orzag, Healthcare Analyst Brian Rye of Bloomberg Government notes that Dr. Orzog fails to address the controversial issue of cost effectiveness. “There's one key issue Orszag barely mentions that lies at the bottom of this controversy,” Mr. Rye notes. “While patients of course want to know what the best medicine is for them, the potential exists for comparative effectiveness to include a major element of, or morph completely into, cost effectiveness. […] Policy makers will eventually have to address entitlement reform, and it’s very possible that greater emphasis on cost effectiveness of new medicines will be considered. (IPAB, anyone?) […] But if a government restricts choice for its own financial purposes, is that any better for the patient?” ” Click here to view the article.
In January, PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho issued his own response to Dr. Orzag’s article, commenting that “Dr. Orszag reveals in his critique of PCORI the very conceit the Institute was designed to avoid – a research agenda designed by ‘the experts’ to cut costs, instead of an agenda shaped by patients and doctors to improve care. Rather than pursue a research agenda as defined by an insular group of experts in Washington, PCORI was set up to engage patients, caregivers and the public directly, and give them a real voice in decision-making, in order to ensure that the Institute was studying the questions that matter most. […] It also should be noted that PCORI is devoting considerable resources to building sustainable research infrastructure that, when built, will support research across the full spectrum of interventions – tests, treatments, and health care management and delivery.” Click here to view the full response.
4. JMCP: The GRACE Checklist for Rating the Quality of Observational Studies of Comparative Effectiveness: A Tale of Hope and Caution
The 11-item Good ReseArch for Comparative Effectiveness (GRACE) checklist was developed by Quintiles and provides guidance to help determine which observational studies of CE have used strong scientific methods and good data that are fit for purpose and merit consideration for decision making. The checklist contains a parsimonious set of elements that can be objectively assessed in published studies, and user testing shows that it can be successfully applied to studies of drugs, medical devices, and clinical and surgical interventions. Click here to view the journal article published in the March issue of the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy.
5. PCORI Board of Governors Reappoints Advisory Panels, Approves Nominees for Two Seats
During a meeting last week, the PCORI Board of Governors reappointed members of their four multi-stakeholder advisory panels to additional terms of one to three years and approved a change from one-year terms to staggered terms lasting one, two, or three years. In addition, the Board approved the selection of healthcare consultant and patient advocate Linda Crew McNamara, RN, MBA, and Michael Dueñas, OD, Chief Public Health Officer of the American Optometric Association (AOA), to replace outgoing members of the Advisory Panel on Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options and the Advisory Panel on Improving Healthcare Systems, respectively. Dueñas and McNamara begin their terms on Friday, April 19. Click here for more information.
6. Medical News Today: PCORI Sets Prioritized Research Agenda for Managing Two Diverse Conditions
Medical News Today reported last week on two of PCORI’s recent research priorities. The article states that, “In bipolar disorder, the researchers noted that the condition can be difficult to distinguish from other behavioral disorders among young people [...] Looking at the available evidence, researchers identified 23 potential research needs in three areas: the comparative effectiveness of intervention strategies, the effect of antipsychotics on patient-centered outcomes, and the influence of various patient characteristics on the effectiveness of antipsychotics.” Click here for the full article.
7. AJMC: How Clinical Evidence Drives Formulary Decision-Making
The role of CER on prescription drug formularies was a recent topic in the American Journal of Managed Care. In that article, “Laurie Wesolowicz, PharmD, director, pharmacy services clinical, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), says that clinical evidence and other factors can drive formulary decision-making [...] Dr. Wesolowicz also suggests that comparative effectiveness research can influence the overall assessment of a given drug's safety and quality for formulary and coverage decisions. She adds that there is a growing focus on evidence-based decision-making, especially in administration of high-cost specialty drugs.” Click here for the full article.
8. Health Imaging: Demonstrating Value, Driving Down Costs: Comparative Effectiveness Research & Radiology
Anna Steere, writer for Health Imaging, reported early last week on the value of CER within the realm of radiology. In that article, Ms. Steers says that, “Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has secured its spot in analyzing and evaluating the performance of procedures, diagnostic tests, and treatments in relation to one another. It aims to identify the most safe, effective, and in some instances cost-effective approach out of a variety of procedures and strategies, thereby eliminating those that do not better patient management or outcomes. CER also strives to improve the decision making of the multiple stakeholders involved in healthcare—providers, patients, payers, researchers, policymakers, and manufacturers—regarding industry improvement both on an individual and population basis.” Click here for the full article.
PIPC and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) jointly hosted a Movement Disorders focused Roundtable on issues specific to the dissemination and implementation agenda of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Results of that roundtable held in November were recently released. A PCORI representative briefed attending participants on the Institute’s current thinking and approaches related to its Dissemination and Implementation Action Plan, and participants were offered the opportunity to both comment and ask questions. Subsequently, participants engaged in a wide ranging discussion intended to surface and identify consensus recommendations for both PCORI and the AAN. Click here to see the full summary and recommendations.
2. PIPC Congratulates PCORI’s Dr. Anne Beal on New Position with Sanofi
PCORI announced that Deputy Executive Director Anne Beal, MD, MPH, will be leaving on March 9 for a new position as Senior Vice President and Chief Patient Officer with Sanofi S.A. There she will work with various divisions of the firm to create a holistic understanding of the patient’s daily experience and translate patient concerns into novel healthcare delivery solutions. Dr. Beal was PCORI’s first Chief Officer for Engagement and also its first Chief Operating Officer.
PIPC congratulates Dr. Beal on her new position, and is grateful for her leadership on patient and stakeholder engagement at PCORI. PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho stated, “Dr. Beal has been part of a significant evolution in the conduct of comparative effectiveness research that is focused on the needs of patients. I am pleased that Sanofi recognized the value of Dr. Beal’s work at PCORI and will provide her a platform to use that experience to advance patient-centered health care.” Click here to view the full statement.
3. Bloomberg: The Controversy Surrounding Comparative Effectiveness Research
Responding to a January op-ed in Bloomberg by former OMB Director Dr. Peter Orzag, Healthcare Analyst Brian Rye of Bloomberg Government notes that Dr. Orzog fails to address the controversial issue of cost effectiveness. “There's one key issue Orszag barely mentions that lies at the bottom of this controversy,” Mr. Rye notes. “While patients of course want to know what the best medicine is for them, the potential exists for comparative effectiveness to include a major element of, or morph completely into, cost effectiveness. […] Policy makers will eventually have to address entitlement reform, and it’s very possible that greater emphasis on cost effectiveness of new medicines will be considered. (IPAB, anyone?) […] But if a government restricts choice for its own financial purposes, is that any better for the patient?” ” Click here to view the article.
In January, PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho issued his own response to Dr. Orzag’s article, commenting that “Dr. Orszag reveals in his critique of PCORI the very conceit the Institute was designed to avoid – a research agenda designed by ‘the experts’ to cut costs, instead of an agenda shaped by patients and doctors to improve care. Rather than pursue a research agenda as defined by an insular group of experts in Washington, PCORI was set up to engage patients, caregivers and the public directly, and give them a real voice in decision-making, in order to ensure that the Institute was studying the questions that matter most. […] It also should be noted that PCORI is devoting considerable resources to building sustainable research infrastructure that, when built, will support research across the full spectrum of interventions – tests, treatments, and health care management and delivery.” Click here to view the full response.
4. JMCP: The GRACE Checklist for Rating the Quality of Observational Studies of Comparative Effectiveness: A Tale of Hope and Caution
The 11-item Good ReseArch for Comparative Effectiveness (GRACE) checklist was developed by Quintiles and provides guidance to help determine which observational studies of CE have used strong scientific methods and good data that are fit for purpose and merit consideration for decision making. The checklist contains a parsimonious set of elements that can be objectively assessed in published studies, and user testing shows that it can be successfully applied to studies of drugs, medical devices, and clinical and surgical interventions. Click here to view the journal article published in the March issue of the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy.
5. PCORI Board of Governors Reappoints Advisory Panels, Approves Nominees for Two Seats
During a meeting last week, the PCORI Board of Governors reappointed members of their four multi-stakeholder advisory panels to additional terms of one to three years and approved a change from one-year terms to staggered terms lasting one, two, or three years. In addition, the Board approved the selection of healthcare consultant and patient advocate Linda Crew McNamara, RN, MBA, and Michael Dueñas, OD, Chief Public Health Officer of the American Optometric Association (AOA), to replace outgoing members of the Advisory Panel on Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options and the Advisory Panel on Improving Healthcare Systems, respectively. Dueñas and McNamara begin their terms on Friday, April 19. Click here for more information.
6. Medical News Today: PCORI Sets Prioritized Research Agenda for Managing Two Diverse Conditions
Medical News Today reported last week on two of PCORI’s recent research priorities. The article states that, “In bipolar disorder, the researchers noted that the condition can be difficult to distinguish from other behavioral disorders among young people [...] Looking at the available evidence, researchers identified 23 potential research needs in three areas: the comparative effectiveness of intervention strategies, the effect of antipsychotics on patient-centered outcomes, and the influence of various patient characteristics on the effectiveness of antipsychotics.” Click here for the full article.
7. AJMC: How Clinical Evidence Drives Formulary Decision-Making
The role of CER on prescription drug formularies was a recent topic in the American Journal of Managed Care. In that article, “Laurie Wesolowicz, PharmD, director, pharmacy services clinical, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), says that clinical evidence and other factors can drive formulary decision-making [...] Dr. Wesolowicz also suggests that comparative effectiveness research can influence the overall assessment of a given drug's safety and quality for formulary and coverage decisions. She adds that there is a growing focus on evidence-based decision-making, especially in administration of high-cost specialty drugs.” Click here for the full article.
8. Health Imaging: Demonstrating Value, Driving Down Costs: Comparative Effectiveness Research & Radiology
Anna Steere, writer for Health Imaging, reported early last week on the value of CER within the realm of radiology. In that article, Ms. Steers says that, “Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has secured its spot in analyzing and evaluating the performance of procedures, diagnostic tests, and treatments in relation to one another. It aims to identify the most safe, effective, and in some instances cost-effective approach out of a variety of procedures and strategies, thereby eliminating those that do not better patient management or outcomes. CER also strives to improve the decision making of the multiple stakeholders involved in healthcare—providers, patients, payers, researchers, policymakers, and manufacturers—regarding industry improvement both on an individual and population basis.” Click here for the full article.
