From Bench to Bedside: The Role of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agencies in the Evaluation of New Medical Products (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
March 9, 2005 |
| Report Number |
RS21962 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Michele Schoonmaker, Domestic Social Policy Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a network ofagencies conducts and funds basic research and clinical evaluation of new medicaltechnologies. Critics say the system is not well coordinated among HHS agencies.Ultimately, data on how a new medical product impacts health outcomes are necessaryto make judgments on the effectiveness and value of that product to patients. Little ofthese data are collected in a systematic way. HHS is interested in identifying barriersand implementing strategies to make data collection easier, more coordinated, andconsistent among the agencies. This report discusses the types of medical researchsupported by HHS and gives an overview of the agencies' missions. The report also lists options for making the process of bringing medical innovation from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside more efficient and predictable.
