Aims: This study elaborates on the public's understanding of comparative effectiveness research (CER) or patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR), attitudes toward CER/PCOR and use of evidence in healthcare decision-making.
Materials & methods: We conducted six focus groups with the general public - three with individuals actively engaged in healthcare decision-making and three with individuals more passive in their approach.
Results: The general public has little knowledge of CER/PCOR, and its perceptions of certain CER/PCOR concepts are inconsistent with those of researchers and policy-makers. Active healthcare consumers value information more than passive consumers and are likely to use evidence in decision-making.
Conclusion: Providers are an important source for disseminating and communicating CER/PCOR evidence to active and passive consumers.
Keywords: activation; active; comparative effectiveness research; consumers; focus groups; passive; public.