Cost-effectiveness analyses: Beauty and the beast?

In this issue of Neurology® Clinical Practice, Young et al.1 discuss 5 things to consider in reading a cost-effectiveness or decision analysis study. Such studies are necessary as the medical profession wrestles with caring for patients and paying for that care. The approaches discussed by Young et al. are important to digest as this type of study will be more prevalent as pressures mount in all aspects of clinical and comprehensive care. Young et al. point out the need to interpret the models and understand the meaning of the data presented. Their article provides an excellent summary of the tools and approaches widely used by policymakers and researchers, bringing some systematic evaluation to the pressures of cost vs the benefits of therapy.