The 'how' and 'why' of cost-effectiveness analysis for care pathways

This article describes what cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) for care pathways are, how they are conducted and how their results are interpreted. Care pathways that decrease cost and improve outcomes should be implemented unequivocally. Those that improve outcomes but increase costs need to be considered according to the funder's willingness to pay for improved outcomes. CEAs for care pathways are as important as for any other health intervention and are necessary to provide information for decision makers.

This article is available at International Journal of Care Pathways Online by subscription. To request a copy from the author, please contact Edward Broughton.