[Medical economy--a new challenge for physicians]

What is medical economics? It stands on three important columns: (1) economic analysis (2) policy and decision analysis and (3) outcomes research. Economic evaluations consist always of two components: resource utilization and outcomes. Cost-benefit-analysis requires that the outcome is expressed in monetary terms, in cost-effectiveness-analysis outcomes are expressed in non-monetary terms and cost-utility analysis requires QUALY's (quality adjusted life years) as output. Why do we need medical economics? On one hand we wish to allocate the restricted means as fairly as possible. On the other hand, we have new but more expensive methods and preventive measures. Medical economics can contribute to this situation: through a systematic assessment of the efficiency of the different methods. The potential of cost savings and arguments for new and more expensive methods can be developed, if they are advantageous in the context of the prevention of disease progression or sequelae. The aim of the department is to promote research, to develop the basis for decision-makers, to give lectures and seminars, to support other researchers in the area of medical economics and to take up and cultivate contacts with different actors of health care systems.