A unique, in-depth discussion of the uses and conduct of cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) as decision-making aids in the health and medical fields, this volume is the product of over two years of comprehensive research and deliberation by a multi-disciplinary panel of economists, ethicists,psychometricians, and clinicians. Exploring cost-effectiveness in the context of societal decision-making for resource allocation purposes, this volume proposes that analysts include a "reference-case" analysis in all CEAs designed to inform resource allocation and puts forth the most explicit setof guidelines (together with their rationale) ever defined on the conduct of CEAs. Important theoretical and practical issues encountered in measuring costs and effectiveness, evaluating outcomes, discounting, and dealing with uncertainty are examined in separate chapters. Additional chapters onframing and reporting of CEAs elucidate the purpose of the analysis and the effective communication of its findings. Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine differs from the available literature in several key aspects. Most importantly, it represents a consensus on standard methods--a featureintegral to a CEA, whose principal goal is to permit comparisons of the costs and health outcomes of alternative ways of improving health. The detailed level at which the discussion is offered is another major distinction of this book, since guidelines in journal literature and in CEA-related bookstend to be rather general--to the extent that the analyst is left with little guidance on specific matters. The focused overview of the theoretical background underlying areas of controversy and of methodological alternatives, and, finally, the accessible writing style make this volume a top choiceon the reading lists of analysts in medicine and public health who wish to improve practice and comparability of CEAs. The book will also appeal to decision-makers in government, managed care, and industry who wish to consider the uses and limitations of CEAs.

Marthe R. Gold's profile page

Joanna E. Siegel's profile page

Louise B. Russell's profile page

Milton C. Weinstein's profile page

Marthe R. Gold is at U.S. Public Health Service. Joanna E. Siegel is at U.S. Public Health Service. Louise B. Russell is at Rutgers University. Milton C. Weinstein is at Harvard University.

"An impressive volume which is likely to be referenced in the economic evaluation literature for some years to come....This book makes an important contribution."--Health Economics

" ... clearly written with an excellent glossary and index. It is primarily for researchers and teachers, but is also accessible to those consumers and providers without a research background who are interested in how CEAs may contribute to health policy decisions." Physiotherapy Canada (Fall1997)

"A major step forward....This [book] represents the collective wisdom...of the tall foreheads in the discipline....Instructive and practical."--Murray Krahn, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Annals of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

"The book is clearly written with an excellent glossary and index. It is primarily for researchers and teachers, but is also accessible to those consumers and providers without a research background who are interested in how CEAs may contribute to health policy decisions."--PhysiotherapyCanada

"Well-referenced chapters...A comprehensive glossary and index round out this well-organized book. The book comprehensively examines the methods of cost-effectiveness analysis...Worthwhile addition to the library..."--The New England Journal of Medicine

Abstract in The American Journal of Public Health

"Should be required reading for health economists, policy researchers, and clinical researchers."--Canadian Journal of Public Health

"A "must-have" book for practitioners and students of economic evaluation or "cost-effective analysis". It represents a milestone in the maturation of the discipline....A major step forward...Represents the collective wisdom (consensus judgement) of the tall foreheads indiscipline...instructive and practical."--Annals of RCPSC

"At last we have a book that can serve as a manual of operations to assure a level playing field when comparing the cost-effectiveness of a preventive service with a treatment intervention or when comparing two or more prevention strategies for the same condition."--American Journal ofPreventive Medicine