Evaluation of Cost Analyses Conducted on Clincial Practice Guidelines

摘要

This study examines the methodologies and data sources used in cost analyses foreight Clinical Practice Guidelines (urinary incontinence, pressure ulcers, cataract, depression, low back pain, otitis media, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sickle cell anemia). The report outlines a conceptual framework for cost analysis; identifies and discusses theoretical and measurement issues that arise when estimating the cost of practice guideline implementation; and examines the guideline cost studies with regard to the cost perspectives, cost estimation methodology, unit of analysis, and data used in each. The report concludes that concern over the assumptions that must be made in conducting a guideline cost analysis is of paramount importance. It recommends that the analysis reduce this difficulty by: (1) restricting the analysis to direct medical cost of treatment; (2) comparing current patterns of treatment and their costs to those under the guidelines; (3) using several data sources; and (4) doing the analyses during guideline development.