Abstract

VASQUEZ VELASQUEZ, Johanna  and  DEL CORRAL LONDONO, Helena. The economic evaluation and diagnostic of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Rev. Gerenc. Polit. Salud [online]. 2008, vol.7, n.15, pp.115-130. ISSN 1657-7027.

Given that public health resources are limited and alternatives rival, a comparison in terms of costs and consequences, of conventional versus newer and faster diagnostic strategies for extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis within a TB control program, is expected to aid informed decision making based on efficiency and equity criteria. This paper describes key elements for economical evaluation, shows a decision tree for extrapulmonary TB diagnosis in a TB endemic country, and describes necessary items for cost estimation. Shortcomings and challenges of research on economic evaluation of early detection of diseases of public health interest are discussed.

Keywords : mycobacterium tuberculosis; diagnosis; polymerase chain reaction; health economics; cost-benefit analysis; health public; mycobacterium tuberculosis; public health; health care costs.

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