Cost-Based Comparative-Effectiveness Research in Colon and Rectal Surgery

In recent years the public, politicians, and physicians themselves have increasingly become aware of the importance and relevance of quality and value in health care. It is important for colon and rectal surgeons to understand cost-based comparative effectiveness studies pertaining to their specialty. These studies provide evidence to assist health care policymakers as well as clinicians and their patients in making well-informed decisions. The aim of this review is to familiarize colorectal surgeons with such research by providing definitions and examples from the colorectal literature. As this type of research gains greater attention among research funding agencies and health care policymakers, it is becoming increasingly important for colon and rectal surgeons to understand these methodologies as well as their limitations. With greater understanding, colorectal surgeons are better positioned to critically assess cost-based comparative effectiveness studies of colorectal procedures and choose the most appropriate treatments for their patients.