Steps in performing a cost-effectiveness analysis include all of these except
Cost-effectiveness analysis is a decision-making assistance tool. It identifies the economically most efficient way to fulfil an objective. In evaluation, the tool can be used to discuss the economic efficiency of a programme or a project. Show Focused on the targeted major result of the activity - the number of jobs created - the tool estimates the cost of each job generated by a specific measure. The comparison of various programmes with similar impacts enables the comparison of the costs generated by each job created and provides useful quantitative indicators for the selection of comparative methodologies. The tool compares policies, programmes or projects. It presents alternatives in order to identify the most appropriate one to achieve a result at least cost. Cost-effectiveness analysis may contribute to answer the following questions:
What are the possible uses of cost-effectiveness analysis?Specificities of the cost-effectiveness analysis:
Cost effectiveness analysis is an efficient way to evaluate projects, programs or sectors evaluation when the main objective of the policy can be reduced to a single result. This tool is designed for the economic analysis of the operational objectives at different levels. Cost-effectiveness analysis can be used in:
How is a cost-effectiveness analysis undertaken?Figure 2 : Steps involved in cost-effectiveness analysisCheck the relevance of the analysis to the objectives of the programmeIf the outcome of a programme cannot be defined as a priority outcome, or if homogeneous and quantifiable units cannot be determined, the use of cost-effectiveness analysis should be avoided. The method is adapted for actions in which expected outcomes are clearly identified and whose direct and indirect costs are easily measurable. Identify the availability and reliability of the dataThe analysis requires reliable data, i.e.:
Determine the effectiveness criteria and develop the relevant indicatorThe choice of the effectiveness criteria depends on the main objective of the intervention.
For example, when an intervention aims at improving the effectiveness of the basic education provision, the effectiveness criteria could be the increase in the average level of primary school's basic knowledge. Other criteria may be more relevant depending on the context in which the intervention is implemented. This increase can be measured through the evolution of the grades obtained in all the courses followed by the students, or in the two courses deemed as the most important, or through the organisation of a single examination for all primary school students. How is the total cost of the programme evaluated?Add direct costsIn this type of calculation, only the direct costs invested in the intervention are considered. In the context of development assistance intervention, these costs are often financial: grant, financial transfers, decreases in taxes, financing of projects and activities, etc. Examine indirect costsIndirect costs indicate the value of civil servants' work in charge of monitoring the programme or intervention. Example of indirect costs in the context of a health programme:Production losses due to working hours lost against the benefit of a vaccination Social costs: adjustments to the timetable of working conditions of a pregnant woman in the context of a premature birth alleviation programme Examine other types of costsAn additional level of complexity within cost calculations is required when other important costs are generated by the project's implementation. For example, cost calculations can include the loss of earnings and benefits due to the fact that public financing have been attributed to a specific objective (this is called the loss opportunity cost). How is the impact of the programme measured?Ex ante evaluationsThe evaluator must forecast the quantitative results of the programme. Depending on the complexity of the intervention, the use of simulation techniques may be required. Ex post evaluationsThe evaluator can use empirical techniques if the primary data at his/her disposal are sufficiently numerous and reliable. If not, the evaluator needs to estimate the actual quantitative results from secondary data. How is a costs-to-effectiveness ratio established?The analysis requires stable elements to support the comparison between:
Comparison of programmesWhen the analysis compares different programmes with identical outcomes, the chosen parameter is the cost comparison criteria. When, for the same objective, the analysis compares different types of interventions with identical costs, it is supported by qualitative elements. What are the basic steps in conducting a cost effectiveness analysis?Briefly, it involves 3 main steps. The first involves describing the program processes and identifying each of the resources that are used. Second, measure the quantity of each identified resource used. Third, assign a unit cost value to each resources and aggregate to find total costs.
What are the features of Cost Effectiveness Analysis?Cost-effectiveness analysis is a way to examine both the costs and health outcomes of one or more interventions. It compares an intervention to another intervention (or the status quo) by estimating how much it costs to gain a unit of a health outcome, like a life year gained or a death prevented.
What is the key to costThe key to practicing cost-effective medicine is to target treatments precisely to the patients and indications for which they are truly effective, because clinical effectiveness is the key determinant of cost-effectiveness.
What is cost effectiveness analysis quizlet?Cost effectiveness analysis. Form of economic analysis that compares the relative costs and outcomes (health benefits) of different interventions. Assess gains in health relative to the cost. Natural health outcomes.
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