By Ruth Whittington ([email protected]) Part 2 – How do observational studies and randomised controlled trials differ? Last month, I described observational studies and where they fit into the hierarchy of evidence. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide some of the fundamental answers to important questions about a drug’s efficacy and safety, and so are considered top…
DetailsBy David Woods ([email protected]) “An opportunity and a challenge”. That’s what Alan Bakst found when he became Director of Health Economics and Outcomes Research at TAP pharmaceuticals in Chicago in August 2004. Up until then, TAP didn’t have a stable and fully staffed group in health outcomes, so the opportunity came in building the group.…
DetailsBy David Woods ([email protected]) HOC editor David Woods has just returned from attending two healthcare congresses. Fourth Annual World Health Care Congress (WHC), Washington, DC, 22–24 April A panel on competition, moderated by John Iglehart, the founding editor of Health Affairs, included Michael Porter, a Harvard professor and a leading authority on competitive strategy, who…
DetailsMany economists think their profession has something to say about almost everything. This is because nearly everything can be thought of in terms of incentives and constraints.
DetailsBy Ruth Whittington ([email protected]) This is the first in a series of four articles about observational studies. It’s our impression that observational studies (also known as “naturalistic studies”) are becoming more and more important to healthcare authorities, and it behoves us all to understand more about the uses and abuses of this type of research.…
DetailsBy Clare Gurton ([email protected]) There is increasing pressure to describe the benefits of new treatments in terms of increased productivity in the work-place, and many clinical studies are now attempting to include some measurement of improved productivity as a secondary endpoint. Whilst many trials have indeed shown that effective medical intervention can decrease illness-associated loss…
DetailsWhen the body of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is brought before the Romans, does the bard have them say “Whodunnit?” No, he has Mark Antony deliver the eloquent “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” speech. And the Roman poet Horace showed his lyrical skill with: “Pick today’s fruits, not relying on the future in the slightest.” Carpe diem. He did not, you will note, say “Have a nice day.”
DetailsBy Clare Gurton ([email protected]) Here we summarise a recent article from ISPOR Connections 2006; December 15: 3–5 Patients are generally not included in decision-making yet they are the group to whom the benefits and risk of treatment apply. Treatment decision-making policy and treatment guidelines are led by objective evidence of benefit, that outweighs any risks,…
DetailsWriting a manuscript can be daunting, even for a seasoned researcher. How does one synthesise a coherent publication out of the mountain of accumulated data?
DetailsAs we noted in our March issue, HOC will be attending and reporting on the 4th Annual World Health Care Congress held on 22–24 April in Washington, DC, USA. The Congress is billed as “the must-attend event for healthcare, government and corporate leaders to formulate solutions to the escalating challenges of healthcare cost, quality, and…
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