The Use of Comparative Effectiveness Research

1

• The Use of Comparative Effectiveness Research
• In Decision Making
• Gail Shearer
• Consumers Union
• AHRQ 2007 Annual Conference
• September 27, 2007

2

• Case study How comparative-effectiveness
  research can benefit consumers and taxpayers.
• What made our project possible Drug
  Effectiveness Review Project (OHSU basis for
  Medicaid drug decisions by participating states)
• Powerful model that can be expanded.

3

• About Consumer Reports
• Trusted source of objective information since
  1936
• Accepts no advertising and is independent of all
  commercial interests including drug companies
• Independent
• Non-profit

4

• Mission
• Provide unbiased in-depth information on
  prescription drugs for consumers and doctors
• Increase access and affordability to needed
  medicines
• Relieve financial burden caused by high drug
  prices

5
(No Transcript)
6

• Goals for Consumers
• Provide them with objective information on
  effectiveness of prescription drugs
• Help them open a discussion about drug costs with
  their doctor
• Help them afford the medicines they need
  (copayments, donut, uninsured)

7

• Identifying CR Best Buy Drugs
• Start with credible source of unbiased, rigorous
  analysis of clinical evidence about drug
  effectiveness (DERP)
• Intense medical input through consultants,
  internal CU review, and medical peer review
• Selections based on effectiveness, safety record,
  and price

8
Present Information in Easy to Use Format(back
side of 2 page report)
9

• The Statins
• Introduction of generics changing marketplace
• Huge stakes 8 billion for Medicare
  beneficiaries alone
• Major health consequences of greater affordability

10

• Possible Annual Savings 5 Categories
• Statins 1,300
• (cholesterol)
• Proton Pump Inhibitors 2,000
• (acid reflux and ulcers)
• NSAIDs 2,200
• (arthritis and pain)
• Anti-depressants 1,200
• Beta Blockers 1,900
• (high blood pressure)

11
(No Transcript)
12
Average Cost Plan
Highest Cost Plan
13

• Outreach and Intermediaries
• Six states (GA, CA, AZ, MN, MD and PA)
• Pharmacists, Doctors, Libraries, Senior groups,
  Employer and Employee Organizations
• Recruit your doctor campaign
• Agreement with Medco
• Project with WEA Trust
• Outreach to doctors through Tarascon

14

• Early lessons from our outreach efforts
• Consumers have different needs
• Need to work through trusted intermediaries
• Importance of trustworthy sources
• Learn more about how to communicate with
  consumers
• Remember those without Internet access

15
(No Transcript)
16
(No Transcript)
17
WEA Insurance Trust

• 2nd largest health insurer in Wisconsin (non
  profit, public education employees and families)
• Conducted informational campaign directed to
  beneficiaries using Proton Pump Inhibitors
  (PPIs)
• -- sustained increase in market
• share of Prilosec OTC
• -- Individual out-of-pocket
• costs reduced 36,000
• --455,000 in savings
• to the Trust

18
Best Buy Drug Reports on Pocket Pharmacopoeia
PDA Reference
19
(No Transcript)
20
(No Transcript)
21
Change the information model from
22
To
unbiased, evidence-based information
23
(No Transcript)