Drug Effectiveness Review Project

Drug Effectiveness Review Project (often abbreviated as DERP) is a collaborative program of evidence-based practice centers which produces comprehensive, unbiased reviews of the comparative effectiveness of commonly used drugs for treating medical conditions. The project was initiated in 2003 by a consortium of state Medicaid agencies in the United States, led by the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

Overview

The Drug Effectiveness Review Project aims to provide objective, detailed analysis of the effectiveness, safety, and adverse effects of different drugs used in the treatment of a specific condition. The project's reports are used by participating organizations to inform policy decisions and develop clinical practice guidelines.

Methodology

The DERP uses a systematic review process to evaluate the existing scientific literature on a specific drug or class of drugs. This process includes the identification, selection, and appraisal of all relevant studies, followed by a synthesis of the collected data. The project's methodology is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, which emphasizes the use of high-quality, randomized controlled trials.

Impact

The findings of the DERP have been used to inform drug policy decisions and clinical practice guidelines in several states. The project's reports have also been cited in the scientific literature and have contributed to the evidence base for comparative effectiveness research.

Criticism

While the DERP has been praised for its rigorous methodology and its contribution to evidence-based medicine, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the project's focus on comparative effectiveness may overlook important differences between individual patients and their responses to treatment.

See also

• Comparative effectiveness research
• Evidence-based medicine
• Clinical practice guideline