Table 5.

Common Characteristics of Comparative Effectiveness Research

• The objective of directly informing a specific clinical decision from the patient perspective, or a health policy decision from the population perspective

• Comparison of at least two alternative interventions, each with the potential to be a best practice

• Description of results at the population and subgroup levels

• The use of outcomes—both benefits and harms—that are important to patients

• Employment of methods and data sources appropriate for the decision of interest

• Interventions conducted in settings that are similar to those in which the intervention will be used in practice