[Parameter of evidence-based medicine in health care economics].
In the view of scarcity of resources, economic evaluations in health care, in which not only effects but also costs related to a medical intervention are examined and a incremental cost-outcome-ratio is build, are an important supplement to the program of evidence based medicine. Outcomes of a medical intervention can be measured by clinical effectiveness, quality-adjusted life years, and monetary evaluation of benefits. As far as costs are concerned, direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs have to be considered in an economic evaluation. Data can be used from primary studies or secondary analysis; metaanalysis for synthesizing of data may be adequate. For calculation of incremental cost-benefit-ratios, models of decision analysis (decision tree models, Markov-models) often are necessary. Methodological and ethical limits for application of the results of economic evaluation in resource allocation decision in health care have to be regarded: Economic evaluations and the calculation of cost-outcome-rations should only support decision making but cannot replace it.
Wasem
J
J
Lehrstuhl für Gesundheitsmanagement, Universität Greifswald.
Siebert
U
U
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans