Radiocast: AHRQ’s Comparative Effectiveness Research - What it Means for You

Rand: This is Healthcare 411: Information for better health. If you need to start taking a medicine and you have several options, how do decide which one is right for you? AHRQ has plain-language guides based on scientific evidence that can help you compare treatments. AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy:

Dr. Clancy: AHRQ has created some very useful plain-language guides for consumers that compare different kinds of treatments, how well they work, and their side effects.

Rand: And why should consumers take the time to compare their health care options?

Dr. Clancy: I advise consumers to be active in their own health care. I think medicine is performed best - and has the best results - when doctors and patients make decisions together.

Rand: All of AHRQ’s Comparative Effectiveness research and Consumer Summary Guides on Effective Health Care are available for free online at effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov. Healthcare 411 is produced by AHRQ, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Rand Gardner for Healthcare 411.