INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH & OPINION

DM programmes for CHF ... Pfizer's new programme yields early success Preliminary results of a new disease management (OM) programme for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) show a marked decline in CIIF-rclatcd hospitalisations. The programme*, developed by Pfizer Health Solutions in collaboration with the New York Medical Group, uses a different approach to assess outcomes results than other OM programmes. Instead of comparing pre- and post-enrolment outcomes data for a particular group, outcomes results in this new programme are compared with those of a group not involved in the OM initiative. Preliminary results of the I-year pilot programme have shown a 34% reduction in annual CHF-related hospitalisations from baseline, compared with no reductions in the control group.

Control group increases validity Use of a control group makes the data 'more scientifically valid' , says director of development Stephanie Spoerl. Outcomes results can be better linked to the intervention, she notes. The programme began in April and involves about 500 patients. The clinical content is based on national guidelines. The programme is designed to give healthcare providers and health plans the tools and support they need for the development of their own OM programmes, according to Pfizer.

* entitled 'Clinical Management System Congestive Heart Failure Management Program'

Pfizer uses control group to validate CHF study gains. Disease Management News 4: 8, 25 Jun 1999 80071!OO4'

1173·5503199/0221·00091$01 .OOC Adl. Internetlonel Limited 1999. All right. reserved

PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 17 Jull999 No. 221

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