Abstract
This paper discusses an important element that is missing from the existing algorithm of preconception care, namely, comparative
effectiveness research (CER). To our knowledge, there has been limited assessment of the comparative effectiveness of diverse
interventions that promote preconception health, conditions under which these are most effective, for which particular populations,
and their comparative costs. CER can improve the decision making process for the funding, development, implementation, and
evaluation of comprehensive preconception care programs, specifically by identifying the most effective interventions with
acceptable costs to society. This paper will examine the framework behind preconception care and how the inclusion of comparative
effectiveness research and evaluation into the existing algorithm of preconception care could foster improvement in maternal
and child health. We discuss challenges and opportunities regarding the utilization of CER in the decision making process
in preconception health, and finally, we provide recommendations for future directions.
effectiveness research (CER). To our knowledge, there has been limited assessment of the comparative effectiveness of diverse
interventions that promote preconception health, conditions under which these are most effective, for which particular populations,
and their comparative costs. CER can improve the decision making process for the funding, development, implementation, and
evaluation of comprehensive preconception care programs, specifically by identifying the most effective interventions with
acceptable costs to society. This paper will examine the framework behind preconception care and how the inclusion of comparative
effectiveness research and evaluation into the existing algorithm of preconception care could foster improvement in maternal
and child health. We discuss challenges and opportunities regarding the utilization of CER in the decision making process
in preconception health, and finally, we provide recommendations for future directions.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Commentary
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10995-012-1056-1
- Authors
- Hamisu M. Salihu, Maternal and Child Health Comparative Effectiveness Research Group, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Abraham Salinas, Maternal and Child Health Comparative Effectiveness Research Group, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Mulubrhan Mogos, Maternal and Child Health Comparative Effectiveness Research Group, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Journal Maternal and Child Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-6628
- Print ISSN 1092-7875