Abstract

APONTE-GONZALEZ, Johanna; ESLAVA-SCHMALBACH, Javier; DIAZ-ROJAS, Jorge A  and  GAITAN-DUARTE, Hernando. Interpreting cost-effectiveness analysis studies in gynecology. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2011, vol.62, n.2, pp.177-187. ISSN 0034-7434.

Objectives: explaining concepts related to economic evaluation in healthcare by using a critical cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) study. Materials and methods: a search was made of the Medline database via PubMed based on a clinical question. A study was selected which approached the matter in hand. The elements which a reader should bear in mind were set out; they were explained by means of examples from already published economic evaluation in healthcare studies regarding gynecology and a critical analysis was made of these aspects in the selected publication. Results: the following elements must be taken into account for a critical reading of a CEA study: the alternatives for making comparisons, cost determination, effectiveness, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and a sensitivity analysis. Understanding these elements will lead to a much deeper evaluation of such studies. Conclusions: economic evaluation deserves to be considered by healthcare professionals as this leads to efficient decisions being taken when treating patients.

Keywords : economic evaluation in healthcare; cost-effectiveness analysis.

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