[The role of utilities in economic evaluations of healthcare interventions-an introduction]

Z Rheumatol. 2004 Oct;63(5):380-4. doi: 10.1007/s00393-004-0658-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Assessment of strength of preference values (utilities) for patients' own health, or disease states from a societal perspective, is an essential element to economic evaluations of healthcare interventions. This review provides an overview of the different methods used to directly elicit strength of preference values: the standard gamble, time trade-off and rating scale methods. Methods used to derive utilities for patients' health states indirectly, and from a societal perspective are described. Three commonly used questionnaires: Health Utilities Index 3, EQ-5D and SF-6D are briefly commented upon. We also discuss the usefulness of utilities and advantages and disadvantages to be considered when choosing direct or indirect utility elicitation methods.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / economics*
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / rehabilitation
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / economics*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / rehabilitation
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis / statistics & numerical data
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • National Health Programs / economics*
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • Sickness Impact Profile*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires