Misconstructions in health economics applied to the evaluation of prenatal screening

Author: Durand-Zaleski, Isabelle

Source: Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, Volume 6, Number 2, April 2006 , pp. 139-143(5)

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Abstract:

The application of economic evaluation to prenatal screening has led to ethical debates about the joint risks of rationing and eugenics. These debates have chosen the wrong target, as economic evaluations espouse the hypotheses and value judgment of their commissioners. This paper explores the difficulties in interpreting and using the results of economic evaluations. The first set of difficulties concerns the diversity in end points and the lack of an aggregate end point to reflect a generally desirable outcome. Another set results from the wider societal implications of economic evaluations and the implicit value judgments. Misunderstandings of the methods used for the economic evaluation of prenatal screening result from the lack of clearly stated objectives from policy makers.

Keywords: antenatal screening; disability; economics; outcome measurement

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/14737167.6.2.139

Publication date: 2006-04-01

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Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research provides expert commentary on cost-benefit and pharmacoeconomic issues relating to the clinical use of drugs and therapeutic approaches. Coverage includes pharmacoeconomics and quality-of-life research, therapeutic outcomes, evidence-based medicine and cost-benefit research.
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