How does health services research differ from clinical trial research?
A. Clinical trials generally assess the efficacy of a treatment, that is, the benefits of a treatment under highly controlled conditions in a selected population. Health services research studies the effectiveness of a treatment, that is, the benefit gained from a treatment when used under normal or real world conditions by practicing physicians on a broad range of patients. It includes analysis of the appropriateness of use of the treatment as well as the outcomes of that therapy on health.
A. Clinical trials generally assess the efficacy of a treatment, that is, the benefits of a treatment under highly controlled conditions in a selected population. Health services research studies the effectiveness of a treatment, that is, the benefit gained from a treatment when used under normal or “real world” conditions” by practicing physicians on a broad range of patients. It includes analysis of the appropriateness of use of the treatment as well as the outcomes of that therapy on health.
