Glossary of Terms

We know that many of the concepts used on this site can be difficult to understand. For that reason, we have provided you with a glossary to help you make sense of the terms used in Comparative Effectiveness Research. Every word that is defined in this glossary should appear highlighted throughout the Web site. When you come upon a highlighted term and would like to read the full definition, you can either click on the word to visit the glossary or roll your mouse over the word for a pop-up definition.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Data

In clinical research, the information recorded about a participant in a study. There are many different kinds of data. detail

Diagnostic Test

A procedure to provide information about a person's condition that helps health care providers to make a diagnosis. Diagnostic tests provide information about whether a person does or does not have a particular disease. detail

Drug

A medicine (chemical compound) used to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions. Some drugs need a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner and other drugs do not need a prescription. detail

Drug Product

A manufactured product that contains a drug. There are many forms of drug products, including tablets (pills), capsules, creams, or liquids. A drug product often includes other chemicals that are not harmful to most people. They are included in the product for such reasons as making a liquid taste better or binding a tablet together so that it does not crumble in the bottle. detail