title: [Economic evaluation in healthcare].
abstract: Economics was only recently considered as a dimension of health technology assessment in France. Yet there are always limits in resources that we collectively agree to devote to health. A comparative "economic" appraisal is therefore needed to guide health choices and contribute to price regulation. Methodologies are based on the determination of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios compared with a reference. The interpretation of these ratios is never isolated from the context of the decision. Health economic evaluation is not involved in healthcare rationing, but it contributes to the rationality of decisions in the interest of the overall population.
authors.affiliation: CEMKA-EVAL, 43, boulevard du Maréchal Joffre, 92340 Bourg-la-Reine, France.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Detournay
mesh_terms: D054869:Clinical Audit / Q000379:methods; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D005602:France; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans