The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended Congress establish a single national program to facilitate the development of standards and processes to synthesize and assess the effectiveness of medical treatments, services and technologies. Although several organizations conduct evidence reviews and develop clinical practice guidelines, the IOM stated lack of coordination has led to competing guidelines and uncertainty about which study results and guidelines are the most reliable and objective. The program would set priorities for evidence assessment, assess evidence through systematic reviews, and develop or endorse standards for trusted clinical practice guidelines.

For further details, go to http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12038.