Health economics in nursing research: what you need to know to include economic evaluation methodology in your research

Abstract

Due to limited resources and constant, ever-changing healthcare challenges, health economics is essential to support healthcare decisions while improving health outcomes. Economic evaluation methodology facilitates informed decision-making related to the efficient allocation of resources while positively impacting clinical practice. In this paper, we provide an overview of economic evaluation methods and a real-world example applying one method of economic evaluation (cost-utility analysis) in nursing research.

Keywords: Cost-benefit analysis; Cost-consequence analysis; Cost-effectiveness analysis; Cost-minimization analysis; Cost-utility analysis; Economic evaluation; Economics; Healthcare quality; Nursing research; Quality-adjusted life years.