Economic analysis and clinical trials

Criteria for judging the appropriateness of including economic analysis in a given trial is proposed, how that analysis could be phased in order to minimize the work involved is suggested, and the wider implications for medical research of more frequent attention to economic concepts are discussed.

Abstract

Given the increasing interest in the economics of health care, the incorporation of economic analysis in clinical trials is more often being considered, both by medical researchers and by research funding bodies. This article proposes criteria for judging the appropriateness of including economic analysis in a given trial, suggests how that analysis could be phased in order to minimize the work involved, and discusses the wider implications for medical research of more frequent attention to economic concepts.