CER Certificate (PHONE): Comparative Effectiveness Research in Decision-making

The growing availability of new research methods poses challenges and opportunities for today's formulary decision-maker. There is little guidance on how to evaluate and use these new studies, creating a risk for two undesirable outcomes: new study data being misinterpreted or critical information not being used to inform decision-making. However, a new online CER Collaborative tool is now available to help evaluate and incorporate this growing body of evidence into decision-making.

The goal of the Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) certificate program is to guide pharmacists and other clinical decision-makers by advancing their expertise in assessing evidence that comes from new, unfamiliar research designs, particularly observational research methods, indirect treatment comparisons, modeling, and meta-analyses, making use of the online CER Collaborative tool and resources.

The certificate program will increase the learner's awareness, understanding, and confidence in their ability to critically appraise new study designs and synthesize evidence to guide formulary and coverage decisions.

The 19-hour certificate program emphasizes the use of an online CER tool and resource materials developed by the CER Collaborative to increase the consistency and transparency of the analyses of CER studies. The CER Collaborative online tool serves as a guide for learners as they assess the quality, relevance and rigor of evidence in CER studies.