AHRQ Examines Impact of Payment Policies on Clinical Trials

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a draft paper examining the impact of changes in payment policies on clinical trials. The report discusses the relationship between third-party payments and the recruitment and retention of participants in clinical trials. Among the conclusions of the report: payment policies do affect evidence development in that their impact on clinical trial enrollment results in slower accrual, longer time to complete studies, and the occasional early termination of a study due to a lack of participation. Further, the reports suggest that better coordination among government agencies and between government, third-party payors, sponsors, and trial sites is necessary. Comments on the report are due Jan. 23.
   
  Information: Go to 

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ta/paypolicy/paypolicy.pdf