Economic evaluation in rheumatology: a necessity for clinical studies
Article Abstract:
Proposed research studies on rheumatic diseases should also include an overall cost-effectiveness evaluation of the studied treatment or procedure. Researchers highlighted four strategies for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of proposed treatments and also itemized which costs to consider for evaluation. One way of analyzing cost-effectiveness would be to compare the cost per improved or avoided symptom. An alternative is to calculate the costs and benefits of prolonging life associated with the proposed treatment. Cost analyses may overlap or include more than one strategy. Factors to consider when assessing cost effectiveness are not only those directly associated with the treatment but the indirect costs and benefits as well. Most of the direct costs include office visits and the cost of the drug or treatment procedure. Indirect benefits might include a return to gainful employment, preventing the need for surgery, and less reliance on extended care.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Surfing for rheumatologists - a guide to rheumatology resources on the Worldwide Web
Article Abstract:
The World Wide Web appears to be a valuable resource for people seeking information about rheumatology. There are Web groups that update their members on a variety of rheumatology topics and engage in on-line discussions about those topics. Programs are available that will search for Web pages containing desired keywords. Interested users can also create their own Web pages. Many research journals accept submitted articles electronically. Other published medical information can also be downloaded electronically. It may be advisable, however, to use caution when evaluating this information for accuracy.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1996
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