About CERTs
Annual Report Year 1
Steering Committee Letter | Introduction | The CERTs Program | Year 1 Progress | Year 2 and Beyond | Conclusion | CERTs Organization | CERTs Projects | Publications
Introduction
People need objective, complete, accessible information about the best ways to use medical products, so that they can take action to improve health.
The Centers for Education & Research on Therapeutics (CERTs), administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), aim to provide just such information.
Although drugs, medical devices, and biological products improve health for thousands of people, side effects, misuse, and overuse of products seriously impair the health of many others. In addition, many who could benefit from a therapy do not receive it, through lack of information, oversight, or in the mistaken belief that it will do them harm.
"The great aim of education is not knowledge but action."
—Herbert Spencer
We need more guidance about to how to choose and use products most appropriately, how to prevent errors and adverse effects, and how to use products in a cost-effective way.
Drug and device companies, medical education programs, professional groups, and medical journals provide some information, but it may have a narrow focus, may be slanted, and may not consider the risks and benefits of interactions with other therapies. Even when valuable information is available, it often does not get into the hands of the people who need it most.
We are conducting research and educating people about the best uses for drugs, medical devices, and biological products, in the public interest. Armed with knowledge from CERTs, people can take action to improve health.
This Annual Report for Year 1 both introduces the CERTs program and reviews its accomplishments to date. We have made much progress so far but recognize the tremendous challenges and opportunities still before us.