The Medical Technology Assessment Evidence-Based Decision-Making Handbook

"Best help with evidence-based medicine available." Martin Gabica MD, Chief Medical Officer, Healthwise

"Along with the help of organizations like Delfini providing us with superb evidence reviews, we are showing a way that the US should follow, in my opinion..." Brian R. Budenholzer, MD, FAAFP, former Health Technology Clinical Committee Chair, Health Care Authority, State of Washington

"I believe the evidence-based approach used by Delfini is the right way to approach inappropriate variation in healthcare. I fully support Delfini's step-wise approach to assessing medical technologies...If we are to assure that our patients receive appropriate care, we as health care professionals must be able to search for and critically appraise the medical literature and commit to a statement about the quality of the evidence before making recommendations to others. Only then can we have informed discussions with our patients and colleagues about reasonable management strategies.

"One of the biggest problems in healthcare is that new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are instituted without the support of good science..." Doug Dammrose, MD, former Senior Vice President & Medical Director of Blue Cross of Idaho

"The guidelines and tools that you provided have been invaluable and are used on an almost daily basis as I review journal articles...." Maribeth M. Bettarelli, PharmD

Sound medical decisions require sound medical evidence. However, did you know that many estimate that the majority of published medical research studies are not reliable or are of uncertain reliability?

You need an evidence-based process for quality patient care and to avoid waste. An evidence-based approach requires that evidence be evaluated for reliability and clinical usefulness. This book can help you.

1.How do you hire and evaluate an evidence-based staff if you lack evidence-based skills yourself?

2.What are some helpful resources and tips to save time?

3.Creating high quality technology assessments

4.How do you make decisions on factors other than evidence?

5.If you are making decisions "by committee," how do you avoid typical pitfalls?

Delfini medical evidologists and information scientists, Sheri Ann Strite and Michael E. Stuart MD, answer these questions and more.

The authors have extensive experience with medical technology assessment to help you establish and operate a truly evidence-based process. Benefit from their experience and tips for evidence-based practice and efficiencies.

Note: Contents are similar to our P&T book, but targeted for an MTA audience.