METHODS FOR THE ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF HEALTH CARE PROGRAMMES. 4TH EDITION

1: Introduction to economic evaluation
2: Making decisions in healthcare
3: Critical assessment of economic evaluation
4: Principles of economic evaluation
5: Measuring and valuing effects: health gains and QALYs
6: Measuring and valuing effects: contingent valuation and conjoint analysis
7: Cost analysis
8: Using clinical studies as a vehicle for economic evaluation
9: Economic evaluation using decision analytic modelling
10: Identifying, synthesising, and analysing evidence for economic evaluation
11: Characterising, reporting, and interpreting uncertainty
12: How to take matters further

The purpose of economic evaluation is to inform decisions intended to improve healthcare. The new edition of Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Health Care Programmesequips the reader with the necessary tools and understanding required to undertake evaluations by providing an outline of key principles and a 'tool kit' based on the authors' own experiences of undertaking economic evaluations.
Building on the strength of the previous edition, the accessible writing style ensures the text is key reading for the non-expert reader, as no prior knowledge of economics is required. The book employs a critical appraisal framework, which is useful both to researchers conducting studies and to decision-makers assessing them. Practical examples are provided throughout to aid learning and understanding.
The book discusses the analytical and policy challenges that face health systems in seeking to allocate resources efficiently and fairly. New chapters include 'Principles of economic evaluation' and 'Making decisions in healthcare' which introduces the reader to core issues and questions about resource allocation, and provides an understanding of the fundamental principles which guide decision making.
A key part of evidence-based decision making is the analysis of all the relevant evidence to make informed decisions and policy. The new chapter 'Identifying, synthesising and analysing evidence' highlights the importance of systematic review, and how and why these methods are used. As methods of analysis continue to develop, the chapter on 'Characterising, reporting and interpreting uncertainty' introduces the reader to recent methods of analysis and why characterizing uncertainty matters for health care decisions.
The fourth edition of Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Health Care Programmes has been thoroughly revised and updated, making it essential reading for anyone commissioning, undertaking, or using economic evaluations in health care, including health service professionals, health economists, and health care decision makers.

Features
• Updated version of the classic manual.
• Provides essential and practical information, with examples, on how to conduct economic evaluation.
• Accessible introduction for the non-expert - no prior knowledge of economics required.
• Analyses methodological and policy issues that health systems face.

New to this Edition:
• Four new chapters on 'Making decisions in health care', 'Principles of economic evaluation', Identifying, synthesising and analysing evidence' and 'Characterising uncertainty'.

Authors
• Michael F. Drummond, Centre for Health Economics, University of York, UK.
• Mark J. Sculpher, Centre for Health Economics, University of York, UK.
• Karl Claxton, Centre for Health Economics, University of York, UK.
• Greg L. Stoddart, Professor Emeritus, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.
• George W. Torrance, Professor Emeritus, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada