Evidence-Based Medicine and the Changing Nature of Health Care

Drawing on the work of the Roundtable on Evidence-Based Medicine, the 2007 IOM Annual Meeting assessed some of the rapidly occurring changes in health care related to new diagnostic and treatment tools, emerging genetic insights, the developments in information technology, and healthcare costs, and discussed the need for a stronger focus on evidence to ensure that the promise of scientific discovery and technological innovation is efficiently captured to provide the right care for the right patient at the right time. As new discoveries continue to expand the universe of medical interventions, treatments, and methods of care, the need for a more systematic approach to evidence development and application becomes increasingly critical. Without better information about the effectiveness of different treatment options, the resulting uncertainty can lead to the delivery of services that may be unnecessary, unproven, or even harmful. Improving the evidence-base for medicine holds great potential to increase the quality and efficiency of medical care. The Annual Meeting, held on October 8, 2007, brought together many of the nation's leading authorities on various aspects of the issues - both challenges and opportunities - to present their perspectives and engage in discussion with the IOM membership.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 The Changing Nature of Health Care2 The Need for Better Medical Evidence3 Circumstances Accelerating the Need4 Contending with the Changes5 The Promise of Information Technology6 Transforming the Speed and Reliability of New Evidence7 Policy Changes to Improve the Value We Need from Health CareAppendix A: Meeting AgendaAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of PrincipalsAppendix C: IOM Roundtable on Evidence-Based Medicine Roster and Background