Economic evaluation of epilepsy treatment: a review of the literature.
This article provides an overview of methods used and findings from economic analyses in epilepsy. Cost-effectiveness studies have evaluated different drugs for monotherapy and add-on therapy, and compared alternative treatment modalities for refractory epilepsy. The methodological characteristics of these studies are examined, and their results are compared and interpreted. Health outcome measures are defined and data sources described. Methods for assessing the direct and indirect costs, and/or cost savings, with a treatment's use, are explored. Directions for future research are identified and discussed.
Heaney
Dominic C
DC
Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, England. d.heaney@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Begley
Charles E
CE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000601:surgery; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D018803:Models, Economic; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards; D011788:Quality of Life
D000927:Anticonvulsants