AHCPR announces evidence reports

Research teams are beginning work on the first 12 evidence reports in a series of reports to be published by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) in Rockville, MD, the agency announced.

AHCPR established Evidence-based Practice Centers to review and analyze scientific literature as an alternative to the agency’s in-house creation of clinical guidelines. The guidelines will likely influence health plans and other organizations that develop guidelines and protocols.

The first topics are: pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence; management of stable angina; diagnosis of sleep apnea; treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; rehabilitation of persons with traumatic brain injury; testosterone suppression treatment for prostatic cancer; evaluation of cervical cytology; depression treatment with new drugs; evaluation and treatment of new onset of atrial fibrillation in the elderly; prevention and management of urinary complications in paralyzed persons; diagnosis and treatment of acute sinusitis; and diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia/swallowing problems in the elderly.

Advanced Health Med-E-Systems, Chicago. Chris DeLuca, Vice President for Sales. Telephone: (914) 524-4282.

Center for Research in Ambulatory Health Care Administration, MGMA, Englewood, CO. Telephone: (303) 397-7879.

Clinical Information Consultants, Raleigh, NC. Robert Eberle, President. Telephone: (919) 783-0880.

CORDA, Houston, Mike Bernard, Chief Financial Officer. Telephone: (713) 290-8100.

Health Services Advisory Group, Phoenix. Marcia Stevic, Director, Health Outcomes. Telephone: (602) 802-0097.

Internal Medicine Center to Advance Research & Education, Washington, DC. Telephone: (202) 466-0291.

Tucson (AZ) Orthopaedic Institute, Chris Arslanian, Research Director. Telephone: (520) 324-3962.