What are the differences between a cost-effectiveness analysis ...

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What are the differences between a cost-effectiveness analysis and a cost-benefit analysis? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Cost-effective analysis is prospective, and cost-benefit analysis is retrospective.
  b. Cost-effectiveness analysis in outcomes research focuses on health outcomes, whereas cost-benefit analysis may or may not focus on health outcomes.
  c. Cost-benefit analysis addresses cost as the opposite of benefit, whereas cost-effectiveness analysis treats cost as a limited resource.
  d. Cost-benefit analysis does not consider anything except financial cost, whereas cost-effectiveness analysis considers intangible costs as well.
  e. Cost-effectiveness analysis always considers financial cost as one of its variables, whereas cost-benefit analysis may or may not do so.

Question 2

An advertisement maintains that zip code affects length of life. If outcomes research were designed to explore this geographic difference, what variables would be most useful in understanding the outcome of length of life? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Other outcome variables, such as quality of life and consumer perceptions
  b. Structural variables, such as the availability of parking near clinics
  c. Structural variables, such as the time it actually takes in both areas to transport a patient to an emergency room
  d. Structural variables, such as the prevalence of ethnically associated health problems
  e. Process variables, such as physicians' clinical judgment
  f. Process variables, such as the presence of standard nursing care plans in the hospitals
  g. Structural variables, such as the number of specialist physicians per 1000 population in each area
  h. Structural variables, such as the number of primary care physicians per 1000 population in each area

[DylanD1323]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C, E
The economist's definition of efficiency is the least expensive method of achieving a desired end while obtaining the maximum benefit from available resources. Cost-effectiveness analyses compare different ways of accomplishing a clinical goal, such as diagnosing a condition, treating an illness, or providing a service. The purpose is to identify the strategy that provides the most value for the money. Cost-benefit analysis compares expenditures and rewards, often both from an economic point of view. Cost effectiveness analysis, rather than cost-benefit analysis, was identified as the appropriate tool for economic analysis for the purpose of public health uses because of its focus on health rather than economic outcomes. Both can be used either retrospectively or prospectively.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C, D, E, G, H
Geographical analyses examine variations in health status, health services, patterns of care, or patterns of use by geographical area and are sometimes referred to as small area analyses. Variations may be associated with sociodemographic, economic, medical, cultural, or behavioral characteristics. Locality-specific factors of a healthcare system, such as capacity, access, and convenience, may play a role in explaining variations. The social setting, environment, living conditions, and community may also be important factors. The interactions between the characteristics of a locality and of its inhabitants are complex. The characteristics of the total community may transcend the characteristics of individuals within the community and may influence subgroup behavior. High educational levels in the community are commonly associated with greater access to information and receptiveness to ideas from outside the community.