Costing bias in economic evaluations

Abstract

Determining the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions is key to the decision-making process in healthcare. Cost comparisons are used to demonstrate the economic value of treatment options, to evaluate the impact on the insurer budget, and are often used as a key criterion in treatment comparison and comparative effectiveness; however, little guidance is available to researchers for establishing the costing of clinical events and resource utilization. Different costing methods exist, and the choice of underlying assumptions appears to have a significant impact on the results of the costing analysis. This editorial describes the importance of the choice of the costing technique and it’s potential impact on the relative cost of treatment options. This editorial also calls for a more efficient approach to healthcare intervention costing in order to ensure the use of consistent costing in the decision-making process.

Keywords::

• Costing
• Bias
• Economic evaluations
• Guidelines

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This manuscript has received no funding.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

GT is an employee of and a consultant for Eisai Pharmaceutical. JF, MC, and LMC have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article. JME peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.