What does CER stand for in health services research?

• A. Comparative Effectiveness Research
• B. Cost Effectiveness Review
• C. Clinical Evaluation and Reporting
• D. Collaborative Electronic Records

Answer: (A)

Comparative Effectiveness Research is the term used when health services research compares different clinical interventions to determine which works best for which patients in real-world settings. The goal is to inform decisions by clinicians, patients, and payers about the most effective options for specific conditions and populations, not just which one has the best study results or lowest cost. This approach helps translate research into practical choices in everyday care.

In contrast, the other phrases point to different ideas: cost-related analyses focus on value or efficiency rather than actual clinical effectiveness, and terms like clinical evaluation and reporting or electronic records refer to evaluation processes or IT systems rather than comparative clinical outcomes.