Approaches used in conducting health outcomes and effectiveness research

Over the past several decades, a number of approaches (e.g., decision analy sis, meta-analyses, clinical trials, analysis of claims data, longitudinal observational studies including those done through patient outcomes researc h teams, etc.) have been used to conduct outcomes, effectiveness, and appro priateness research. Each of these approaches has varying degrees of compar ative advantage and disadvantage with respect to the other. As knowledge of outcomes and effectiveness:: increases, and as new issues emerge as subjec ts of research, these approaches may or may not be adequate to generate the necessary information and level of confidence in findings that are desired . What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. and what gaps exi st in our methodological armamentarium? How do existing methods need to be strengthened? What is the most appropriate application of specific research methods to particular problems? What is the appropriate balance of use of the different available approaches? What types of new methodologies need to be developed to further the field of outcomes and effectiveness research? (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.