Alternative Study Designs for Evidence-Based Practice: Harnessing Natural Variation for Effectiveness Research. Inclusive Dates: 10/19/05 - 10/21/05.

摘要

The purposes of the project was to conduct a national conference aimed at bring experts together to discuss, develop, and refine alternative study designs to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve effectiveness research and clinical decision-making; and to expand the infrastructure for conducting clinical research within healthcare delivery system by increasing knowledge about rigorous alternative designs among researchers and policymakers. To maximize participation and interest, the conference was held in Washington, DC over a two day period (October 20-21, 2005). Major topics addressed included: (1) analyses of existing administrative databases such as Medicare and HCUP databases, MDS data from long-term care settings, data from registries, etc.; (2) quasi-experimental designs such as systematic treatment designs, before-after or interrupted time series designs, longitudinal designs, and cross-sectional designs; and (3) clinical practice improvement (CPI) study designs. The objective of the conference was to identify, describe, and refine a variety of rigorous research methodologies that incorporate natural variation within data from routine clinical practice to determine what works, for whom, when, and at what cost, with the ultimate goal being the expansion of the potential infrastructure for conducting clinical research within the healthcare delivery system by increasing knowledge about rigorous alternative designs among researchers and policymakers.