CHCE Forum: Recovery Act Investment in Comparative Effectiveness Research: Interim Assessment and Implications

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) invested $1.1 billion in comparative effectiveness research (CER) through more than 400 projects. These projects were designed to (1) evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes, effectiveness, risks, and benefits of alternative treatments and services that address particular medical conditions; (2) speed CER development and dissemination efforts; (3) support or synthesize relevant examples of CER; and (4) promote the expansion and use of clinical registries, clinical data networks, and other forms of electronic health data.

This policy forum brought together evaluators and CER thought leaders to highlight early lessons from these projects and their implications for future efforts to facilitate the development and use of CER. Our speakers described the types of investments made with ARRA CER funds and how the research portfolio began to address strategic priorities for CER. Forum presenters also offered observations and insights regarding challenges and considerations for planning future evaluations of investments in CER and patient-centered outcomes research. The expert panel included:            

• Dominick Esposito, Mathematica
• Sheldon Greenfield, Health Policy Research Institute at the University of California, Irvine
• Bryan Luce, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
• Eugene Rich, Mathematica
• Sanford Schwartz, University of Pennsylvania