Health economics in mental health. 2: Economic evaluation

Abstract

This paper is the second in a series explaining key concepts and techniques used in health economics in the context of mental health care. The paper describes the different types of economic analysis and the circumstances in which they should be used. It explains key aspects of the methods used in economic evaluation to measure costs and benefits. The purpose of the paper is not to enable clinicians to undertake economic analysis, but to familiarise them with the methods used in economic evaluation and to enable them to assess the rigour and results of published studies.