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How do Italian pharmacoeconomists evaluate indirect costs?
L Garattini1, F Tediosi, S Ghislandi
1CESAV--Center for Health Economics AA Valenti, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Ranica (Bergamo), Italy. liviogarattini@tiscalinet.it
Summary
Indirect costs in Italian pharmacoeconomic studies are evaluated inconsistently, despite expert consensus on their importance. Standardization of methods for valuing lost productivity is needed.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
Background:
- Indirect costs, such as productivity losses, are crucial components of pharmacoeconomic evaluations.
- Understanding current practices and expert opinions on indirect cost assessment in Italy is vital for improving study quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the methodologies employed in Italian pharmacoeconomic studies for evaluating indirect costs.
- To gauge the perspectives of Italian pharmacoeconomists regarding the inclusion and valuation of indirect costs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review of Italian pharmacoeconomic studies incorporating indirect costs.
- A survey distributed to Italian pharmacoeconomics experts to gather their views and practices.
Main Results:
- Nineteen studies were reviewed, all utilizing the Human Capital Approach (HCA) for valuing production loss, but with significant methodological variations.
- Survey results indicated that 20 out of 25 experts deemed indirect costs important, with 56% advocating for mandatory evaluation by health authorities.
- A majority of experts supported incorporating indirect cost estimates into drug-pricing calculations.
Conclusions:
- The number of Italian pharmacoeconomic studies including indirect costs is increasing, yet consensus on evaluation methods remains elusive.
- Standardization is urgently required, particularly concerning the parameters used to monetize lost productive time.
- Further research and guideline development are necessary to ensure consistent and reliable assessment of indirect costs in pharmacoeconomics.
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