MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cost effectiveness'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:39:06 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118647&cid=t_157022_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fexpensive-medications-is-the-benefit-worth-the-cost%2F2011.08.10 The concept of cost-effectiveness in medicine is elastic. One’s view on this issue depends upon who is paying the cost. Of course, this is true in all spheres of life. When you’re in a fine restaurant, you order differently when the meal will be charged to someone else. Under these circumstances, the foie gras appetizer and the jumbo shrimp cocktail are no longer luxuries, but are considered as essential amino acids that are necessary to maintain life. In the marketplace, except in the medical universe, goods and services are priced according to what the market will bear. If an item is priced too high, then the seller will have fewer sales and a bloated inventory. Consumers will not pay absurd prices for common items, regardless of supernatural claims of quality. Would you pay $100 fo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118647 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5118647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794832&cid=t_157022_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F05%2F06%2Fto-ipab-or-not-to-ipab-is-that-the-question%2F The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) has been touted as an important tool to control Medicare costs. The President supports it. But many members of Congress and provider groups do not. Can the IPAB survive in this political environment? Should the health policy community take a stand? (Source: Health Affairs Blog) Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794832 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:36:36 +0100 4794832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566304&cid=t_157022_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fohio-state-university-reports-that-ovarian-cancer-drug-bevacizumab-is-not-cost-effective%2F An analysis conducted by Ohio State University cancer researchers found that adding the targeted therapy bevacizumab to the first-line treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer is not cost effective. An analysis conducted by Ohio State University cancer researchers found that adding the targeted therapy bevacizumab [Avastin®] to the first-line treatment of patients with advanced [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566304 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:51:51 +0100 4566304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399465&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F26%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-107-no-1%2F Fade Fave: What is the effect of discharge planning? Fade Skinny: This Cochrane Review investigates whether discharge planning improved the use of acute care and patient outcomes. It also looked at whether discharge planning reduced overall costs of healthcare. Follow this link to access the full Cochrane Review report or contact the Library for a copy of the Nursing Times summary of the review. Filed under: Journals Tagged: Cost Effectiveness, Discharge Planning, Health Economics, Health Outcomes (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399465 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:35:38 +0100 4399465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294603&cid=t_157022_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F12%2F27%2Ffree-access-to-health-affairs-papers-on-imaging-self-referral-boom%2F In the December issue, Health Affairs published a series of papers on the effects of self-referral by physicians for imaging services. Princeton economist Uwe Reinhardt spotlighted the set of papers in a Christmas Eve blog post in the New York Times’ Economix blog: A fascinating narrative on how private health insurers and Medicare have both [...] (Source: Health Affairs Blog) Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294603 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:39:20 +0100 4294603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225661&cid=t_157022_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNannBzcrm6Q%2F Health care reform may eventually solve some problems, but the price of medications may not be on the list. Consequently, drug pricing is likely to remain a contentious topic for the forseeable future. Consider that prices may continue to rise, even though drugmakers are required to offer new discounts and pay a new tax, prices may well continue to rise. In the 12-month run-up to passage of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, there was a 9.7 percent average price hike on widely used meds. Then there’s the steep cost of so-called specialty drugs - those bank-account draining biologics. In 1995, just eight cost more than $10,000 annually; now, there are 48. And what is really known about behind-the-scenes rebates? And so the deep thinkers at Deloitte, the consulting firm, a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225661 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:49:32 +0100 4225661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994342&cid=t_157022_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FlEBBvNl8zQw%2F That’s the issued raised in an editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine, which praised a new study of a bloodthinner, but carped that there was a lack of information about the cost. In doing so, the editorial writers underscored the growing debate about the cost effectiveness of medicines and the extent to which this issue should play in treatment decisions. To wit, the study of 3,002 people found that Arixtra, which is sold by GlaxoSmithKline for dealing with deep vein thrombosis and embolism, helped people with superficial-vein thrombosis in the legs. The condition worsened in 1.3 percent of those on a placebo for 45 days but just 0.2 percent of those on the med. The upshot: Arixtra prevented one in 88 patient froms having a more dangerous, but rarely fatal clot (see the ab... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994342 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:43:51 +0100 3994342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753759&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Finvolving-users-in-commissioning-local-services%2F Title: Involving users in commissioning local services Skinny: Study by Age Concern London brought commissioners and diverse service users together to discuss how service users can be involved in shaping local services. The project reflected on what is actually happening and provided pointers to how user involvement in commissioning could work in practice. Publisher: Joseph Rowntree Foundation Size of Publication: 58p Published: 18/05/2010 Filed under: Community Services, Grey Literature, Practice Based Commissioning Tagged: Best Practice, Commisioning, Cost Effectiveness, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Service Users, Social Care, World Class Commissioning (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753759 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:41:52 +0100 3753759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581551&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F20%2Forganising-quality-and-effective-spinal-services-for-patients-a-report-for-local-health-communities-by-the-spinal-taskforce%2F Title: Organising quality and effective spinal services for patients: a report for local health communities by the Spinal Taskforce Skinny: Report  intended to assist the NHS in developing and delivering effective spinal services, creating a set of productive services that deliver quality, timely and clinically appropriate care that meets patients’ needs and expectations. It looks at the effective organisation of spinal services for a wide population to support those planning and commissioning services across an SHA, PCTs and clinical and managerial teams within provider units. The document describes the main types of patients being referred for spinal treatment and advises on how to organise services to meet the needs of these groups, paying particular attention to quality, clinical ou... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581551 Thu, 20 May 2010 04:32:13 +0100 3581551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354250&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2Ftackling-problem-drug-use%2F Title: Tackling problem drug use (Executive Summary) Skinny: National Audit Office report that identifies good progress in a number of areas, including an increasing number of problem drug users in effective treatment and an increasing number leaving treatment free from dependency. Without an evaluative framework for the Strategy as a whole, the NAO is not able to conclude positively on value for money. Nevertheless, the NAO note that the Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS) has estimated the benefit-cost ratio for drug treatment, the largest element of spending, at 2.5 to 1 and that the programme has delivered some significant successes. There are an estimated third of a million problem drug users in England. As part of an increased emphasis on drug treatment, funding rose from ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354250 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:32:50 +0100 3354250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3246856&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F06%2Fheart-2009-vol-96-no-3%2F Heart 2010 (Vol. 96 No. 3) Contents page Fade Fave: Comparison of mass and targeted screening strategies for cardiovascular risk: simulation of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and coverage using a cross-sectional survey of 3921 people Fade Skinny: Suggests that cardiovascular primary prevention should be targeted at those with the highest global risk. This studies aim was to compare mass and targeted screening strategies in terms of effectiveness, cost effectiveness and coverage. It finds targeted screening strategies are less costly than mass screening, and can identify up to 84% of high-risk individuals. Additional resources required for mass screening may not be justified. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-J... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3246856 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:12:42 +0100 3246856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089214&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fbritish-journal-of-healthcare-management-2009-volume-15-issue-12%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Productive, efficient cost savings Fade Skinny: Professor John Appleby, chief economist of the King’s Fund, discusses productively efficient cash-releasing cost minimising savings, or the jargon that no-one understands. (Print copy held at the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Cost Effectiveness, Current Awareness, Health Economics, Jargon, Journals (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089214 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:30:30 +0100 3089214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089225&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fgmc-affiliates-pilots-final-report-of-the-kpmg-evaluation%2F Title: GMC affiliates pilots: final report of the KPMG evaluation Skinny: Independent evaluation of two pilots introducing a system of GMC Affiliates aimed at closing the regulatory gap between local workplace management of doctors and national professional regulation. The purpose of this evaluation is to produce feedback and provide an assessment of the feasibility, potential benefits, costs and wider impacts of the introduction of GMC Affiliates at a national level. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 63p. Published: 30/11/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Ethics, Grey Literature, NHS, Primary Care, Quality Tagged: Clinical Governance, Cost Effectiveness, Ethics, Grey Literature, Professional Discipline, Regulation (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089225 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:37 +0100 3089225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089227&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fnhs-2010-2015-from-good-to-great-preventative-people-centred-productive%2F Title: NHS 2010 – 2015: from good to great: preventative,people-centred,productive Skinny: Five-year plan to reshape the NHS to meet the challenge of delivering high quality health care in a tough financial environment. The report describes practical measures to meet the demands of an aging population and the increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases. The vision is for an NHS that is organised around patients whether at home, in a community setting or in hospital. There will be a renewed focus on prevention with the ambition of delivering cost-effective high quality care across the service Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 64p. Published: 10/12/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Corporate Governance, Economics, Financial Management, Governance, Grey Literature, Management, NHS, Pr... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089227 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:45 +0100 3089227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084714&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fbirth-and-beyond-a-review-of-the-evidence-about-antenatal-education%2F Title: Birth and beyond: a review of the evidence about antenatal education Skinny: Synthesises published evidence concerning the cost and effectiveness of antenatal education, alongside evidence about stakeholder perspectives. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:65p. Published: 08/12/2009 Posted in Antenatal Care, Grey Literature, Midwifery, Obstetrics Tagged: Antenatal Education, Cost Effectiveness, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Midwifery, Obstetrics, Stakeholder Engagement (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084714 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:00:32 +0100 3084714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995703&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F16%2Finternational-journal-of-health-technology-assessment-in-health-care-2009-vol-25-no-4%2F This article assesses the role of MEDLINE and EMBASE in identifying economic evaluations. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: Contingent Valuation, Cost Effectiveness, Databases, Embase, Medline, Technology Assessment (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995703 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:08:22 +0100 2995703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993725&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F15%2Fbristol-myers-squibb-pharmaceuticals-ltd-r-on-the-application-of-v-national-institute-for-health-and-clinical-excellence-2009%2F Title: Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd, R (on the application of) v National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [2009] The Skinny: Challenges of the decision of the defendant, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) refusing to recommend the use of abatacept (ABA) for treatment in connection with rheumatoid arthritis in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Publisher: Bailii Size of Document: Webpage Case No.:EWHC 2780 (Admin) (06 November 2009) Posted in Jurisprudence Tagged: Arthiritis, Cost Effectiveness, Drug Therapy, Evidence Based Practice, Jurisprudence (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993725 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:11:20 +0100 2993725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989109&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F13%2Fmore-for-less-are-productivity-and-efficiency-improving-in-the-nhs%2F Title: More for less: Are productivity and efficiency improving in the NHS? Skinny: Analytical briefing from the Audit Commission considering how NHS money has been spent, whether primary care trusts have been successful in keeping more patients out of hospital, and whether hospitals have become more efficient. Findings are that the NHS is treating more patients at lower cost and trusts are starting to meet the challenges of the future. It suggests NHS trusts are increasing productivity and reducing unit costs. But overall, there is no sign yet that primary care trusts have been successful in moving care from hospitals closer to patients’ homes. Publisher: Audit Commission Size of Publication: 12p Published: 12/11/2009 Posted in Change, Financial Management, Grey Literature, Hospit... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989109 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:33:21 +0100 2989109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712038&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F19%2Finternational-journal-of-technology-assessment-in-health-care-2009-vol-25-no-3%2F This article looks at a study which investigated the views of UK stakeholders on the current arrangements for implementing “only in research” decisions as well as how improvements might be made. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: Cost Effectiveness, Medical Technology, Policy, Technology Assessment (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712038 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:56:03 +0100 2712038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709095&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Fassessing-complementary-practice-building-consensus-on-appropriate-research-methods-report-of-an-independent-advisory-group%2F This report aims to establish a consensus on the ways in which research might be conducted that both the conventional and complementary health care communities can support. Publisher: King’s Fund Size of Publication: 32p Published: 10/08/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Complementary Medicine, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Quality Tagged: Complimentary Therapies, Cost Effectiveness, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Research (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709095 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:59:37 +0100 2709095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598163&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F14%2Fjournal-of-care-services-management-2009-volume-3-number-4%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Home healthcare: Emerging evidence for NHS commissioners Fade Skinny: Evidence of the potential for home healthcare to form part of a coherent suite of appropriate, flexible and cost-effective services is emerging. As healthcare budgets come under increasing pressure and demands for care to be delivered in a manner more convenient to patients increase, so interest in this method of care delivery has grown. This paper briefly reviews the evidence base for home healthcare. (Print copy held at the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness Tagged: Athens Password, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Commissioning, Cost Effectiveness, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Home Healthcare, Oncology Services, Outreach, Patient Satisfaction (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598163 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:11:10 +0100 2598163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206824&cid=t_157022_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F22%2Fhealth-affairs-briefing-stimulating-health-information-technology%2F There is widespread agreement that greater investment in information technology (IT) is critical to reforming U.S. health care. The use of such technologies as electronic health record systems, personal health records, e-prescribing, and computerized physician order entry holds the potential for vastly improving care at a reasonable cost. The recently enacted economic stimulus legislation included [...] (Source: Health Affairs Blog) Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2206824 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:51:15 +0100 2206824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2153061&cid=t_157022_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F02%2Fseeking-value-in-health-care%2F With the U.S. tab for health care approaching one dollar out of every five, a key question on the health reform agenda is how to achieve value in health care. Jeanne Lambrew, the new deputy director of the White House Office on Health Reform, spoke this morning to nearly 800 health policy wonks at the [...] (Source: Health Affairs Blog) Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2153061 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:05:58 +0100 2153061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924409&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F31%2Fhealth-led-parenting-interventions-in-pregnacy-and-early-years%2F aims to identify the most effective and cost-effective health-led parenting support services and programmes in pregnancy and the first three years of life from published research to contribute to the development of the Child Health Promotion Programme. The study comprised a literature search for systematic reviews of health-led parenting services and programmes in pregnancy and the first three years of life. The findings combined to identify what works, under what conditions and for whom. Posted in Financial Management, Grey Literature, NHS, Parenting   Tagged: Children, Cost Effectiveness, Grey Literature, Health Promotion, Parenting    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924409 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:52:34 +0100 1924409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812931&cid=t_157022_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2FB1mSFPc-WCM%2F One study published in the Journal of Nurse Midwifery found: The average uncomplicated vaginal birth costs 68% less in a home than in a hospital, and births initiated in the home offer a lower combined rate of intrapartum and neonatal mortality and a lower incidence of cesarean delivery. “The Cost-Effectiveness of Home Birth.” J Nurse Midwifery. 1999 Jan-Feb;44(1):30-5. Gee, what a novel concept — care that costs less but has a better outcome! I did an informal survey of sources online to determine that the average hospital birth costs around $8,000 in the United States, depending on exactly where the mother lives. That does not include the additional costs of an epidural or cesarean section, nor does it include the prenatal care from a physician, which costs anywhere fro... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812931 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:08:51 +0100 1812931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494234&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F05%2Funder-one-roof-will-polyclinics-deliver-integrated-care%2F considers the shift of care from hospitals to more community-based settings and the development of a network of new facilities in which primary, community and secondary care services are co-located, often referred to as polyclinics.  The report considers if this model will improve the quality and accessibility of health care and deliver cost savings? Using published information and comparative study with facilities similar to the polyclinic model in the United Kingdom and abroad,  both opportunities and risks in relation to: quality of care, accessibility of services and cost are identified. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494234 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:51:17 +0100 1494234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1392474&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F23%2Fnice-nice-baby-latest-clinical-guidelines-from-nice%2F Allogeneic pancreatic islet cell transplantation for type 1 diabetes mellitus Intraoperative red blood cell salvage during radical prostatectomy or radical cystectomy Interstitial photodynamic therapy for malignant parotid tumours Perioperative hypothermia (inadvertent) Ulcerative colitis - infliximab Abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1392474 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:52:45 +0100 1392474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340917&cid=t_157022_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F261983923%2F That’s what two lawmakers are set to propose. Democratic Senators Max Baucus of Montana and Kent Conrad of North Dakota would establish an independent institute to systematically compare the effectiveness of drugs and devices, Reuters reports. Interestingly, the idea comes as the controversy continues to play out over Vytorin, which was found to be no better than the older and cheaper Zocor cholesterol pill. An analysis by the Lewin Group for the Commonwealth Fund found that comparative effectiveness research, used appropriately by doctors and insurers to guide decisions, could cut national health spending by $370 billion over 10 years. “One of the requirements for a market to work is that you have good information and we don’t have a lot of that right now,” Stuart ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340917 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:13:10 +0100 1340917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1140905&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F10%2Fthe-house-of-commons-health-committee-national-institute-for-health-and-clinical-excellence-first-report-of-session-2007%25e2%2580%259308-volume-i-report-together-with-formal-minutes%2F The report identifies the following problems Topic selection. Only a few selected medical technologies are chosen as suitable for assessment as technology appraisals. There is also far too little emphasis on disinvestment. Here we found NICE’s responses to our questions disingenuous. While few older treatments may do no good at all, many will not be cost-effective; The wider benefits of treatment to society, for example to carers, are not included in NICE’s economic evaluations; NICE often does not have all the information it needs to make a full assessment. It does not have access to all the information the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) uses and clinical trials are usually designed without NICE’s work on cost-effectiveness in mind; Experts are no... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1140905 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:00:42 +0100 1140905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1104288&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F19%2Fcaring-for-vulnerable-babies-the-reorganisation-of-neonatal-services-in-england%2F (Executive Summary) considers if the reorganisation of neonatal services in England has helped improve care for premature and low birth weight babies with fewer babies travelling long distances for suitable treatment. The National Audit Office in it find that further improvements to the service are being limited by shortages in nursing staff, a lack of cots in the right place at the right level of care and a lack of widespread specialist 24 hour transport. They also provide a comparison with international neonatal services via RAND Europe: The provision of neonatal services and the Survey of Neonatal Units in England by the National Audit Office upon which the report is based. Every year around 10 per cent, or 60,000, newborn babies require some form of specialized neonatal care. And t... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1104288 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:01:54 +0100 1104288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1035553&cid=t_157022_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F19%2Fbenefit-and-costs-of-early-screening-for-hearing-disability%2F Acceptability, benefit and costs of early screening for hearing disability: a study of potential screening tests and models  (Davis) 294 pages, Volume 11, number 42   Research published by the NIHR HTA programme shows that hearing impairment in adults is a major public health problem, with one in ten people aged 55-74 in the UK having substantial hearing problems. The research went on to assess the acceptability, benefit and costs of early screening for hearing disability. The study suggests that systematic screening of people aged 55–74 could provide substantial benefit, is acceptable, cost-effective, and meets the National Screening Committee’s criteria in most respects Researchers from the MRC Hearing and Communication Group at the University of Manchester involved over 35,0... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1035553 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:26:02 +0100 1035553