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Published on: January 8, 2020
Lifetime costs for medical services: a methodological review
Philip Jacobs1, Kamran Golmohammadi, Teresa Longobardi
1University of Alberta, Canada. philip.jacobs@ualberta.ca
Summary
Estimating lifetime medical costs requires clear study aims, current data, and transparent reporting. Following these practices improves the interpretation and application of economic evaluation models for healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Health economics
- Medical cost analysis
Background:
- Economic evaluation guidelines recommend modeling for long-term cost estimation.
- Lifetime medical care costs are crucial for comprehensive health economic assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies estimating lifetime medical care costs.
- To identify variations in methods and reporting practices in lifetime costing studies.
Main Methods:
- A categorization of lifetime-costing study elements was developed.
- Information was abstracted from 33 papers on study subject, purpose, scope, methods, and results.
- Analysis included observational studies, models, and combined approaches.
Main Results:
- Wide variations in methods and reporting practices were observed across studies.
- Time profiles were estimated using registry and published data.
- Utilization and cost data were sourced from administrative records, chart reviews, and expert opinion.
Conclusions:
- Clear study aims, data-based assumptions, and adherence to methodological practices enhance lifetime model interpretability.
- Transparent reporting is essential for applying lifetime cost models effectively.
- Following guidelines improves the consistency and utility of economic evaluation studies.
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