Estimating Drug Costs in Economic Evaluations in Ireland and the UK An Analysis of Practice and Research Recommendations

TY - JOUR

T1 - Estimating Drug Costs in Economic Evaluations in Ireland and the UK An Analysis of Practice and Research Recommendations

AU - Hughes, Dyfrig A.

AU - Tilson, Lesley

AU - Drummond, Michael

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - Cost estimates for the drug of interest, its comparator and concomitant drugs are an important component of pharmacoeconomic evaluations. However, whilst in general considerable efforts are made by analysts to ensure valid and accurate parameter inputs, the methods for estimating drug costs are often lacking. We reviewed recent pharmacoeconomic evaluations undertaken in Ireland and the UK and documented the sources of data for drug costs and the methods of cost estimation. Methods were often inadequately described and, where adequate information was available, there was considerable variation and limitations in the methods used, thereby reducing the comparability of studies. Data from a sample of studies from other Northern European countries suggested that the findings from Ireland and the UK were not atypical. In order to improve current practice we suggest a methodological checklist for use in future studies.

AB - Cost estimates for the drug of interest, its comparator and concomitant drugs are an important component of pharmacoeconomic evaluations. However, whilst in general considerable efforts are made by analysts to ensure valid and accurate parameter inputs, the methods for estimating drug costs are often lacking. We reviewed recent pharmacoeconomic evaluations undertaken in Ireland and the UK and documented the sources of data for drug costs and the methods of cost estimation. Methods were often inadequately described and, where adequate information was available, there was considerable variation and limitations in the methods used, thereby reducing the comparability of studies. Data from a sample of studies from other Northern European countries suggested that the findings from Ireland and the UK were not atypical. In order to improve current practice we suggest a methodological checklist for use in future studies.

KW - PARKINSONS-DISEASE

KW - REFLUX DISEASE

KW - UNITED-KINGDOM

KW - THERAPY

KW - CANCER

KW - TRIAL

KW - CAPECITABINE

KW - MAINTENANCE

KW - MANAGEMENT

KW - ASTHMA

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=69749086196&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Article

SN - 1170-7690

VL - 27

SP - 635

EP - 643

JO - Pharmacoeconomics

JF - Pharmacoeconomics

IS - 8

ER -