The comparative effectiveness and provider-induced demand collaborative (EPIC) project: a clinical and economic analysis of variation in healthcare

The Department of Defense Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (DOD USUHS) awarded $688,182 under the Uniformed Services University Medical Research Projects (CFDA 12.750) Cooperative Agreement to the Henry M. Jackson Foundation For The Advancement Of Military Medicine, Inc. from July 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022.

The award supports the Comparative Effectiveness and Provider-Induced Demand Collaborative (EPIC) Project, which conducts clinical and economic analyses of healthcare variation to inform decision-making within the Military Health System (MHS). Specifically, the project examines low-value care through research partnerships between USUHS and Harvard University's Center for Surgery and Public Health. Sub-awardee Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. contributes expertise on MHS priority areas like optimal opioid prescription lengths and tools for predicting long-term opioid use. Since 2015, EPIC has generated over 80 publications and ongoing studies on provider-induced demand and quality improvement strategies.