AHCPR News and Notes

AHCPR seeks nominations of topics for evidence reports

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research is seeking topic nominations for the third round of evidence reports and technology assessments to be conducted by AHCPR's 12 Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs). In addition to nominations of topics for assessments and evidence reports on specific health care technologies and medical procedures, including alternative or complementary therapies, AHCPR is, for the first time, inviting nominations of topics for assessments and evidence reports relating to the organization and financing of health care. With scientific studies related to the organization and financing of health care growing, evidence reports and scientific syntheses of this research can provide health system organizations with a scientific foundation for developing system-wide policies and practices.

The EPCs produce science syntheses—evidence reports and technology assessments—that provide to public and private organizations the foundation for developing and implementing their own practice guidelines, performance measures, and other tools and strategies to improve the quality of health care and make decisions related to the effectiveness or appropriateness of specific health care technologies.

AHCPR has published a notice (ASCII) outlining topic nomination and selection criteria in the May 4, 1999, issue of the Federal Register (volume 64, number 85). Topic nominators are expected to serve as partners to the EPCs as they develop the evidence reports and technology assessments and to use the reports as the basis for developing and implementing their own practice guidelines and other strategies to enhance the quality of health care.

Topic nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis, but to be considered for this round, nominations should be submitted by July 6, 1999, to Douglas B. Kamerow, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Center for Practice and Technology Assessment, AHCPR, 6010 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.

Select to access additional information online about AHCPR's Evidence-based Practice Program and to see summaries of the reports issued to date.

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