The role of economic evaluation in setting priorities for elective surgery.

Problems with waiting lists have long affected the National Health Service. The priority given by clinicians to the elective surgery conditions usually found on waiting lists is low, but the publicity surrounding the waiting lists ensures that the priority accorded elective surgery in the political arena is much higher. Waiting list initiatives have provided additional resources for the purpose of reducing the number of patients waiting for elective surgery. It is suggested that economic evaluation should form one of a package of tools used by those setting priorities within elective surgery, but that the evidence provided by previously conducted economic evaluations of elective surgery is not of sufficient quality for purchasing authorities to use as a basis for priority setting.