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Characteristics and quality of pediatric cost-utility analyses

Seija K Kromm1, Jennifer Bethell, Ferne Kraglund

  • 1Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Quality of Life Research : an International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation
|November 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cost-utility analyses (CUAs) are improving in quality over time. However, few studies prospectively measure utility, indicating a need for better pediatric health state valuation tools.

Area of Science:

  • Health Economics
  • Pediatric Research
  • Cost-Utility Analysis

Background:

  • Measuring health utility for cost-utility analysis (CUA) in pediatric populations presents unique challenges.
  • Understanding the characteristics and quality of existing pediatric CUAs is crucial for improving future research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize pediatric cost-utility analyses (CUAs).
  • To appraise the quality of published pediatric CUAs.
  • To identify factors influencing the quality of pediatric CUAs.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive analysis of 305 pediatric CUAs from the PEDE database (1997-2009).
  • Quality appraisal of 213 studies using the Pediatric Quality Appraisal Questionnaire (PQAQ).
  • Multiple regression analysis to assess the impact of publication year, journal type, and utility measurement on quality.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric CUAs increased over time, with North America being the largest source.
  • Preventative interventions in children aged 1-12 years were most frequently studied.
  • Study quality improved significantly over time and was higher in methods/health economic journals; prospective utility measurement was low (8%).

Conclusions:

  • The quality of pediatric cost-utility analyses is progressively improving.
  • There is a significant need for enhanced instruments for prospective pediatric health state valuation and utility measurement.
Abstract

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