News in brief - Oct. 16, 2000

Consumer group compares candidates' health policies - Clinical practice guideline tutorial available on CD-ROM

Consumer group compares candidates' health policies

A new report from the consumer group Families USA details the different approaches that presidential candidates Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Democratic Vice President Al Gore take on health care issues.

"There is a sharp contrast between the proposals offered by Gov. Bush and Vice President Gore," said Ron Pollack, the group's executive director. "The American people need to understand the differences between how these two men approach health care so they can make an informed decision."

Prescription drug coverage, the solvency of Medicare, patients' rights, long-term care and mental health are among the health issues covered in the report. The group relied on the candidates' policy papers, statements and press accounts when compiling its analysis. The report, called "Health Care and the 2000 Election," is available online (http://www.healthcampaign2000.org/).

Clinical practice guideline tutorial available on CD-ROM

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has created a free tutorial on CD-ROM to help people navigate its Internet database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, called the National Guideline Clearinghouse. The AMA and the American Assn. of Health Plans have partnered with the agency to sponsor the clearinghouse.

The CD-ROM is available by calling the AHRQ publications office at (800) 358-9295 and asking for the NGC Tutorial. The database also can be found online (http://www.guideline.gov/).