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Problems in measuring the cost of illness
Evaluation & the Health Professions
|November 7, 1982
Summary
Cost of illness (COI) studies are increasingly used for healthcare funding decisions. However, methodological weaknesses in COI analysis may render it no better than political processes for policy decisions.
Area of Science:
- Health economics
- Health services research
- Public health policy
Background:
- Cost of illness (COI) studies have gained prominence in healthcare policy and funding over the past decade.
- These studies are often presented as objective analyses to guide resource allocation for health programs.
- Despite their increasing use, significant conceptual and methodological challenges exist within COI analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the conceptual and methodological limitations of Cost of illness studies.
- To assess the appropriateness of relying solely on COI analysis for healthcare policy and funding decisions.
Main Methods:
- This study involves a critical review of the existing literature on Cost of illness methodologies.
- Analysis of the conceptual underpinnings and practical application of COI studies in policy-making.
Main Results:
- Cost of illness studies face severe conceptual and methodological difficulties.
- The reliance on COI analysis for policy decisions is questioned due to its inherent weaknesses.
Conclusions:
- The singular application of Cost of illness analysis for policy decisions may be flawed.
- Methodological limitations suggest that COI studies may not offer a superior alternative to traditional political decision-making processes in healthcare funding.