In cost-effectiveness analysis, which outcome measure is illustrated by the example comparing two drugs?

In cost-effectiveness analysis, which outcome measure is illustrated by the example comparing two drugs?

• A. Rationale for inclusion in the cost analysis
• B. Cost per fracture avoided
• C. Incidence of adverse drug reactions
• D. Drug cost per patient

Answer: (B)

In cost-effectiveness analysis, outcomes are expressed as cost per unit of health benefit achieved. For comparing two drugs, the relevant unit is fractures prevented. The measure cost per fracture avoided combines both how much the drugs cost and how well they prevent fractures, yielding the change in costs per additional fracture prevented (the incremental cost per fracture avoided). This directly tells you what extra money is needed to prevent one fracture with one drug versus the other, helping to judge value. This is distinct from simply reporting drug cost per patient (which ignores effectiveness) or the incidence of adverse drug reactions (a safety outcome), or a methodological justification for what’s included in the analysis.

In cost-effectiveness analysis, outcomes are expressed as cost per unit of health benefit achieved. For comparing two drugs, the relevant unit is fractures prevented. The measure cost per fracture avoided combines both how much the drugs cost and how well they prevent fractures, yielding the change in costs per additional fracture prevented (the incremental cost per fracture avoided). This directly tells you what extra money is needed to prevent one fracture with one drug versus the other, helping to judge value.

This is distinct from simply reporting drug cost per patient (which ignores effectiveness) or the incidence of adverse drug reactions (a safety outcome), or a methodological justification for what’s included in the analysis.