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This issue of FORUM focuses on the important topic of Comparative
Effectiveness Research (CER). Both clinicians and patients
appreciate the limited benchmarks available to inform
clinical decisions and treatment options. Policymakers find
themselves in a similar situation—making health care legislation
in an evidence vacuum. For clinicians, patients, and policymakers
alike, however, CER has the potential to provide
much needed evidence-based criteria for health care decision-making.
Recently, CER activities have been expanding across the Federal Government. In
March 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established
a 15 member Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness
Research (FCCCER). Supported by funding of approximately $1.1 billion, the FCCCER
will help guide, prioritize, and coordinate comparative effectiveness research
across HHS and the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. Joel Kupersmith,
M.D., VA's Chief Research and Development Officer, represents VA on the council.
In other news, HSR&D gave a warm send off to Shirley Meehan who retired from
VA service on May 1. Dr. David Atkins, QUERI Director, will also serve as Acting
Deputy Director of HSR&D until a new Deputy is named.
And finally, I would like to note that we reviewed 124 proposals in the March
review, of which we expect to fund 32 projects. In addition, we reviewed 30 Career
Development Award applications and we expect to fund seven. Congratulations
to all. Please keep your proposals coming.
Seth A. Eisen, M.D., M.Sc.
Director, HSR&D
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