Dear All
This is a question from a non-health economist, whioo would be very
grateful for an answer!
I read recently about the tremendous impact of an Effectiveness Bulletin on
NHS costs. In this study by Mason et al (Health Trends 1998/99;30:120-22)
an investment of 25k in disseminating the leaflet was estimated to have
saved the NHS many £M as a result of more appropriate prescribing of a new
anti-depressant.
My question is: does anyone know of studies which quantify the cost to the
NHS of:
- overuse of inappropriate treatments
- underuse of appropriate treatments
- medical mistakes
These could be studies of the whole NHS or of one
sector/condition/treatment, based on theoretical models or empirical
studies.
Having searched NEED I'd be grateful for any further leads.
Ben Toth
National electronic Library for Health
http://www.nelh.nhs.uk
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|