Clinical effectiveness

Clinical effectiveness refers to the application of the best knowledge, derived from research, clinical experience, and patient preferences, to achieve optimum processes and outcomes of care for patients. The term is often used in the context of evidence-based medicine.

Definition

Clinical effectiveness is the extent to which specific clinical interventions, when used under ordinary circumstances, do what they are intended to do. Clinical interventions include medication, psychotherapy, surgery, and physical therapy. The term implies that the interventions have a beneficial effect on morbidity, mortality, or quality of life.

Measurement

Measurement of clinical effectiveness requires an understanding of outcome measures, statistical methods, and the ability to analyze and interpret results in a clinically meaningful way. Outcome measures can be clinical events, such as mortality or hospital admission, or patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life or satisfaction with care.

Clinical Effectiveness Research

Clinical effectiveness research, also known as comparative effectiveness research, compares the benefits and harms of different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions in real-world settings. The goal is to improve health outcomes by developing and disseminating evidence-based information to patients, clinicians, and other decision-makers.

Evidence-Based Medicine

Evidence-based medicine is a systematic approach to clinical problem solving which allows the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. It is a key component of clinical effectiveness.

Clinical Guidelines

Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances. They are based on the best available evidence and aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of care.

Challenges

Challenges in achieving clinical effectiveness include the gap between research and practice, the complexity of healthcare, and the need for a culture of continuous improvement.

See also

• Health services research
• Quality improvement
• Patient safety
• Healthcare quality