Estimation of the Cost-Effectiveness Threshold: Why, What, How?
2016
This is a systematic review of the thresholds used in cost-effectiveness analyses in several international settings. While many health care systems claim to incorporate the cost-effectiveness criterion in their investment decisions, the threshold value is often controversial and not publicly available. Even when available, it often lacks a theoretical or empirical basis. This article aims to identify and critically appraise the conceptual perspectives and methodologies used to date to estimate the cost-effectiveness threshold. The authors found that thresholds based on society’s valuation of a QALY (e.g. based on GDP) are generally larger than thresholds resulting from estimating the opportunity cost to the health care system. This implies that some interventions with positive social net benefits, as informed by individuals’ preferences, might not be an appropriate use of resources under fixed budget constraints.
Estimation of the Cost-Effectiveness Threshold: Why, What, How?
Source:
Vallejo-Torres L, García-Lorenzo B, Castilla I et al. On the Estimation of the Cost-Effectiveness Threshold: Why, What, How? Value in Health 2016; 19 (5): 558-566. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2016.02.020