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May 01, 2004
Cost-Benefit Analysis and Health Care Evaluations
Author: Robert J. Brent
Hardback ISBN: 1 84064 844 9
Paperback ISBN: 1 84376 508 X
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
'Professor Brent's book is a superb and much-needed text in the field of
health care evaluation. The economic approaches for appraisal of health care
programs are presented with greater clarity than any other available text. A
comprehensive review of cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness analysis,
cost-utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis is given in a simple and
yet very insightful manner that pointedly demonstrates their fundamental
principles, methodological requirements, and common linkages for evaluation
research. The book skilfully merges theory and application of the economic
analyses of health care, combining the latest literature with adroit
illustrations of required methodologies and easily understandable examples
that inform the reader of how empirical evaluation research should be
conducted. Major evaluation concerns about the appropriateness of
discounting health benefits, the appropriate discount (interest) rate, and
intangible benefits and costs are critically appraised. Not only is the
criterion of economic efficiency of health care programs explored directly
and with lucidity, but the important social question of the equity of health
interventions is also assessed straightforwardly. Students of health care as
well as health policy analysts and administrators are provided with a
considerable solid foundation for undertaking evaluation of complex health
care issues. In short, Professor Brent has even made the economics of health
care evaluation accessible to non-economists in the health care field.'
- Paul L. Solano, University of Delaware, US
Cost-benefit analysis is the only method of economic evaluation which can effectively indicate whether a health care treatment or intervention is worthwhile. This book attempts to build a bridge between cost-benefit analysis, as developed by economists, and the health care evaluation literature which relies on other evaluation approaches such as cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-utility analysis.
Hardback April 2003: $110.00
Paperback May 2004: $55.00
400 pp
Pre-paid orders placed via Edward Elgar Publishing's website receive a 10% discount.
