Examining cost methodologies in survey-based observational studies in stroke: A protocol for a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Public Health
• Neurology

Background:

• Stroke research necessitates robust economic evaluations due to its significant global burden.
• Existing cost methodologies in stroke research lack standardization, hindering comparability and interpretability.
• Patient-reported outcomes in stroke are often unreliable due to memory recall issues, complicating cost data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and examine cost methodologies used in survey-based observational studies of stroke.
• To analyze data collection approaches, measurement and valuation of cost components, and sources of cost information in stroke economic evaluations.
• To document limitations and recommendations for cost methods in future stroke research.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
• Literature searches will be performed in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion criteria focus on observational studies of stroke patients (≥18 years) using surveys for cost analysis, published in English within the last 20 years.

Main Results:

• This section will detail the identified cost methodologies, including common data sources and valuation techniques.
• Analysis will highlight variations and limitations in current cost estimation practices within stroke research.
• The review will synthesize findings on the reliability and applicability of different cost measurement approaches.

Conclusions:

• This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of cost methodologies in survey-based stroke research.
• Findings will inform the development of standardized and reliable cost-evaluation frameworks for future observational studies in stroke.
• The review aims to enhance the quality and comparability of economic evidence in stroke research.