Understanding Health Economics: A Guide for Health Care Decision Makers

Written specifically to help non-economists involved in managerial decision-making in the NHS, this book guides health care providers towards a better understanding of health economics. Detailing the ways health economics can aid managers in making more informed decisions, particularly in a time of budget constraints and rationing, the book also includes a number of case studies and worked examples. The author's clear interpretation of a complex topic will help health service managers understand the importance of economics in both service planning and appraisal. Among the topics covered in detail are the cost of illness and cost measurement; outcome measurement; design of economic evaluations; Quality Adjusted Life Years; evidence-based medicine, prioritization and rationing; and assessing and using economic evaluations.