Abstract
There is a need to measure efficiency of periodontal treatments. Efficiency questions can be addressed through a variety of economic evaluation techniques: cost minimization, cost-effectiveness, cost utility and cost–benefit analysis. Each of these techniques is outlined in this article, including a detailed discussion of different preference-based outcome (utility) measures. Despite the need, few analyses have been undertaken in periodontology. There are several issues in undertaking cost-effectiveness analyses specific to periodontology and these are examined in detail: outcome measures including patient-based vs. clinical measures of outcome; discounting or taking into account time preference for outcomes and costs; problems of costing, including the perspective taken in an analysis; interpreting the evidence, in particular using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; and global variation in periodontal care delivery, including healthcare systems and the use of hygienists. The need for cost-effectiveness analysis in periodontology is explored further, and the need to involve a health economist in such an evaluation is underlined.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 138-146 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | PERIODONTOLOGY 2000 |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2012 |
Keywords
- Cost effectiveness
- periodontal disease