A public opinion poll by Harvard researchers found more than half of Americans oppose cost-effectiveness research, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Cost-effectiveness research looks at the relative benefits and values of healthcare interventions to see if the outcomes justify the expense in comparison to alternative treatments.
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The study found 56 percent of respondents oppose cost-effectiveness research. Only 26.9 percent of republicans would support cost-effectiveness research, compared to 49.8 percent of democrats and 48.6 percent of independents. Additionally, younger respondents, between 18 and 29 years old, were more likely to support cost-effectiveness research than older respondents, 65 years old and older, at 64.7 percent and 31.2 percent, respectively.
Researchers suggest policy makers be wary of these public opinions when drafting legislation as public opposition can often hinder passing legislation. They also say healthcare payers and consumers should make smarter choices in healthcare if they do not want the federal government playing a role in their health decisions, as the research suggests.
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