Comparison of benefit estimation models in cost-benefit analysis: a case of chronic hypertension management programs.
OBJECTIVE
Cost-benefit analysis is one of the most commonly used economic evaluation methods, which helps to inform the economic value of a program to decision makers. However, the selection of a correct benefit estimation method remains critical for accurate cost-benefit analysis. This paper compared benefit estimations among three different benefit estimation models.


METHODS
Data from community-based chronic hypertension management programs in a city in South Korea were used. Three different benefit estimation methods were compared. The first was a standard deterministic estimation model; second, a repeated-measures deterministic estimation model; and third, a transitional probability estimation model.


RESULTS
The estimated net benefit of the three different methods were $1,273.01, $-3,749.42, and $-5,122.55 respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The transitional probability estimation model showed the most correct and realistic benefit estimation, as it traced possible paths of changing status between time points and it accounted for both positive and negative benefits.
Department of Nursing, Inha University, Incheon, Korea. lim20712@inha.ac.kr
Ji Young
JY
Lim
Mi Ja
MJ
Kim
Chang Gi
CG
Park
Jung Yun
JY
Kim
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D015397:Program Evaluation