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Cost-utility in CNS drug trials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

F Ziegler
F Ziegler*
Affiliation:
Glaxo Wellcome, 68 Nykaer, DK-2605yBroendb, Denmark
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Summary

This paper considers some of the theoretical and practical problems of conducting cost-utility analyses alongside clinical trials. In order to measure utilities of different health states in a clinical trial a number of critical assumptions have to be made. Some of these assumptions are questionable on a theoretical level, others empirically invalid. The practical problems of measuring utilities are discussed. The standard gamble is shown to be the most validated method of utility measurement, but still based on very strong assumptions. The standard gamble instrument is also costly and difficult to administer in clinical trials. Other instruments are found to be less valid than the standard gamble. It is concluded that although cost-utility analysis seems relevant in some instances, investigators should avoid this assessment of utility and instead measure cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit and quality of life.

Keywords

cost-utility analysiseconomic evaluationCNS
Type
Research Article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 11 , Issue 3: Issues of Concern in the Standardization and Harmonization of Psychotropic Drug Trials in Europe , 1996 , pp. 159 - 164
Copyright
Copyright © Elsevier, Paris 1996

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