On estimators of medical costs with censored data.
In the assessment of cost-effectiveness of alternative medical technologies, it is necessary to estimate the mean total cost per patient over the relevant patient population. Where information about costs comes from a clinical trial with censored data, care is needed to estimate mean total costs. We examine the theoretical connections between the two most widely used of a growing range of nonparametric estimators of costs under censoring. By clarifying the relationships between these simple methods we hope to make them more accessible and to facilitate the take-up of more sophisticated techniques. Recommendations are offered regarding the most appropriate of the available methods, but also on the potential for greater efficiency through parametric modelling.
O'Hagan
Anthony
A
Department of Probability and Statistics, Centre for Bayesian Statistics in Health Economics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RH, UK. a.ohagan@sheffield.ac.uk
Stevens
John W
JW
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005102:Health Expenditures; D017059:Models, Econometric; D010361:Patients; D006113:United Kingdom