Setting priorities for comparative effectiveness research in inflammatory bowel disease: Results of an international provider survey, expert rand panel, and patient focus groups
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 04/30/2012  Clinical Article

Cheifetz AS et al. – The authors systematically developed a list of high–priority inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) topics for Comparative effectiveness research (CER) based on a survey of gastroenterologists, expert review, and patient input. This list may guide IBD research toward the most important CER studies.

• Following the Institute of Medicine’s approach, the authors developed and administered a survey to gastroenterologists asking for important CER topics in IBD.
• Two patient focus groups were convened to solicit additional CER studies.
• CER topics were presented to the expert panel using the RAND/UCLA methodology.
• Following initial ratings, the panel met to discuss and re-rate priorities.
• The top 10 CER topics were identified using a point-allocation system.

• Responses were collated into 234 CER topics across 21 categories, of which 87 were prioritized for discussion and re-rated.
• Disagreement regarding priorities was observed in 5 of 87 studies.
• They utilized a point-allocation system to prioritize the top-10 CER topics.
• These related to comparing the effectiveness of: biomarkers in IBD; withdrawal of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or immunomodulators for Crohn's disease in remission; mucosal healing as an endpoint of treatment; infliximab levels versus standard infliximab dosing; anti-TNF monotherapy versus combination therapy in patients failing thiopurines; safety of long-term treatment options; anti-TNF versus thiopurines for prevention of postoperative recurrence; and treatment options for steroid-refractory UC.