Background: Since 2007, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) program has provided systematic reviews (SRs) in response to public nominations. AHRQ prioritizes which new SRs to fund via structured assessment and selection.
Objectives: To improve our prioritization process by evaluating outcomes of nominations from groups using the AHRQ public process.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our 2007-2017 nomination database for the number and proportion of public nominations received and funded by type of nominator. Due to changes in EPC Program resources, we evaluated changes in two periods (2007-2012 vs. 2013-2017).
Results: We received 783 public nominations and selected 159 (20%) for funding. Nominators self-identified as Individual (40.4%; researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, consumer advocates); Professional society, (17.4%) and Other stakeholders (42.2%; payer, industry, non-governmental/non-profit, academic). Professional societies contributed 17% of nominations and 38% of funded SRs (Table 1). Over time, the number of nominations decreased, the number and proportion from Professional Societies increased (from 10% to 34%). Those from Others decreased (from 53% to 16%). For Individuals, the absolute numbers decreased, but the proportion increased (from 36% to 50%; p