Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) School of Pharmacy is Partnering in a National Effort to Improve Health Care

As an advocate for evidence-based research and informed decision making, LECOM School of Pharmacy is an official partner of the Effective Health Care Program at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the lead Federal agency charged with improving the quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AHRQ supports health services research to improve the quality of health care and promote evidence-based decision making.

Which Test is Best? Which Medication is Right for Me? Should I Have Surgery?

Patients often face complicated decisions, such as which test is best, which medicine will help most with the fewest side effects, or whether surgery is the best option. Every patient is different, and each should make informed choices based on individual needs.

Patient centered outcomes research, also known as comparative effectiveness research, compares drugs, medical devices, tests, surgeries, or ways to deliver health care. Research summaries made available through AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program are designed to help clinicians and patients compare a variety of health care interventions and treatments and understand the benefits, harms, and side effects.  Free guides are also available to help patients be prepared for their medical appointments and work together with clinicians to determine the best treatment option.

LECOM School of Pharmacy will continue to connect you with valuable summaries allowing you to compare treatment options, as well as the opportunity to help improve patient care by participating in the research development process. Resources are also available for a number of chronic disease and conditions, including cardiovascular and related diseases, diabetes, arthritis, digestive conditions, cancer and women’s health.

Patient Resources

§  Patient Guides - Available in English and Spanish

§  Healthcare 411

§  Explore Your Treatment Options

§  Your Health Priorities Tool

Examples of Available Arthritis Summaries

§  Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Guide for Adults

§  Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicines: A Guide for Adults

§  Choosing Pain Medicine For Osteoarthritis

§  DMARDs for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers

Clinician Resources

§  Clinician Guides

§  Research Reports and Reviews

§  Free CE/CE Modules - Free continuing education credits for pharmacists,  physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, case managers and health education specialists

§  Webcasts

§  Faculty Slides

§  Research Available for Public Comment

Pharmacist CME/CE Activities

§  Guidance for Informed and Shared Decision Making about Diagnostic Tools and Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

§  Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Weighing the Options

Free copies of the patient and clinician guides can be ordered by calling 800–358–9295 and using code C-01.

To learn more, visit the Effective Health Care Program and the national partnership network.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicinea offers innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvaniaand Bradenton, Florida, LECOM believes that when mind, body and spirit come together the impossible becomes suddenly possible. It is a calling each and every one of our students embodies to become the best they can be. To prevent disease and treat it. To give hope. Can you hear the calling?