How good is peer review?
Article Abstract:
The analysis and review of validity and honesty in biomedical research is of great interest. Editors of scientific journals evaluate research before it is published; this is known as peer review. During recent meetings it became evident that the peer review system itself needs monitoring. The New England Journal of Medicine's policy of peer review examines submitted articles for importance and interest for readers, making sure the articles are based on sound research methods which meets specific standards. Specialists in a field may be brought in to review articles which have been submitted for publication and authors may be asked to do additional study before final publication. Although every effort is made to publish the best, valid, error-free research, authors, editors and reviewers are not faultless. It is suggested that the responsibility of editors is to use reviewers (who are often competitors of the original authors) as consultants and not give them the last word on publication decisions. Authors should also be offered the time to respond to the criticism of editors and reviewers. The peer review system is not infallible, but when used effectively it can protect and improve the quality of scientific research.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1989
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How much will health care reform cost?
Article Abstract:
The assumption that health care reform in the US will cost more than we are currently spending may be false. In 1993, the projected cost for health care in the US is $3,380 per citizen, more than any other Western country. But the US ranks far down on the list in many measures of health, including infant mortality and childhood vaccination rate. It appears that our health care system is inefficient, with too many specialists offering expensive treatments. In addition, the administrative costs of the 1,200 private insurers add to the expense. President Clinton favors a managed care approach, which is exemplified by HMOs. However, there is little evidence that HMOs have reduced the growth in health care spending. The US Congress should place a cap on health care spending. In addition, a single-payer system would reduce administrative costs significantly. And health care providers should compete on the basis of patient satisfaction, not cost.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Patients' rights bills and other futile gestures
Article Abstract:
Congress should establish a single-payer health plan rather than try to reform the health care system piece by piece. The patients' rights bill may increase costs for managed care companies, who will pass those costs on to employers. Employers in turn may drop coverage, limit benefits, or ask employees to pay higher deductibles and co-payments. This could increase the number of uninsured Americans. Medicare should be extended to all Americans, since it is more efficient than a market-based model.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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