IOM prioritizes OTC contraceptive, supplement research
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
An Institute of Medicine 1report to Congress on priority topics for comparative effectiveness research lists research on "innovative strategies for preventing unintended pregnancies" - including OTC access to oral contraceptives and other hormonal methods - as a top-tier priority. Lower-level items in the inventory of 100 priorities include comparing the effectiveness of dietary supplements in treating prevalent conditions, smoking-cessation strategies in minority and adolescent populations, and consumer self-care in avoiding early morbidity among people with mental illness. IOM submitted the report June 30 as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The law charged IOM with recommending projects the Department of Health and Human Services should fund with the $1.1 billion allocated for CER (2"The Tan Sheet" March 16, 2009)