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Preference-based outcome measures in cost-utility analyses. A 20-year overview.
Dan Greenberg1, Joseph S Pliskin
1Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care
|October 24, 2002
Summary
Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) are widely used in cost-utility studies, which have increased in number but leveled off. Increased visibility in healthcare decision-making could boost their popularity.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Medical Decision Making
Background:
- Cost-utility analysis is a key tool in healthcare decision-making.
- Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and healthy-years equivalents (HYEs) are common metrics.
- The evolution of cost-utility studies over two decades warrants examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utilization of QALYs and HYEs in cost-utility studies from 1981-2000.
- To analyze trends in the quality of journals publishing cost-utility research.
Main Methods:
- Electronic search to identify cost-utility studies.
- Data extraction included journal, publication date, language, origin, and impact factor.
Main Results:
- A rise in cost-utility studies, peaking around 1997.
- Dominance of QALYs as the outcome measure (all but one study).
- Most studies originated from the US and were in English; journal impact factors showed minor changes.
Conclusions:
- Cost-utility studies are predominantly using QALYs.
- Increased integration into healthcare budget decision-making could enhance study visibility and impact.