Bringing evidence to healthcare decision making.

Abstract

key principle underlying the Excellent Care for All Act was the importance of evidence in guiding decisions across the healthcare system. The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has led pan-Canadian efforts for several years to bring evidence to decisions about what will be covered and what will not be covered in Canadian healthcare. In this interview, the CEO of CADTH – Brian O’Rourke (BO) – speaks with Charles Wright (CW) about a number of the challenges and opportunities inherent in bringing evidence to healthcare decision-making. A key point throughout the interview is the range of efforts necessary to support decision-makers as they try to bring evidence into coverage and other potentially controversial decisions. CW: Let me start by asking how you would describe the general purpose of your organization – The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology and Health? BO: More affectionately known in this country as CADTH – that’s the acronym to get out of your lips! We’re a health technology assessment agency. In its broadest sense, that means we inform; we provide information to policy makers in Canada regarding health technology. It can include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical/surgical procedures and diagnostic tests. A Bringing Evidence to Healthcare Decision Making liNKiNG eViDeNce aND Quality