Improving patient care: consequences for resource allocation.
Clinical trials have been designed to document the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, data on the cost-effectiveness of new treatment regimens are increasingly required. This paper reviews economic evaluations performed on clinical trials in 3 different therapeutic areas: postinfarction prophylaxis, hypertension and heart failure. The data demonstrate that economic evaluations can provide important information which will aid decision making with respect to the cost-effectiveness of new treatment regimens. It is suggested that health economists and clinicians must work together to ensure that the limited health care budget is utilised to optimum effect.
Jönsson
B
B
Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden.
D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000191:economics*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics*