7 Measurement of Outcomes and Costs in Economic Analysis

Question 1

Name 4 ways in which clinical outcomes are measured

Answer 1

natural units
proxy outcomes
condition specific measures
generic measures

Question 2

how do you calculate QALY?

Answer 2

E(length of life) x QoL

Question 3

What scale does QoL use?

Answer 3

1 - 0

0 is basically death

Question 4

Where do we get QoL information from?

Answer 4

value judgement
questionnaires
direct measurement
published values in literature

Question 5

What 5 dimensions are used in the Euro Qol EQ-5D?

Answer 5

mobility
self-care
usual activities
pain / discomfort
anxiety / depression

Question 6

Name 3 advantages of using QALYs

Answer 6

accounts for impact on quality and quantity of life

common unit of measurement

convenient

Question 7

Does using QALY in CUA actually measure utility?

Answer 7

the economic definition of utility is the level of satisfaction from goods or service

utility in CUA is purely about maximisation of health

Question 8

name 6 problems associated with using QALY

Answer 8

whose values?
insensitivity of questionnaires
EoL treatment
discrimination
broader patient beliefs
family / carer benefits

Question 9

What are the different types of cost for a given intervention?

Answer 9

direct

indirect

Question 10

What sorts of costs are direct?

Answer 10

health and social services (normal costs of treating people)

non-health services (patient transport etc)

Question 11

What sorts of costs are indirect?

Answer 11

lost production (inability to work)